Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)

Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) – A Detailed Study

The Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) is the largest and most widespread species of flamingo found in the world. This wading bird is recognized for its striking pink plumage, long legs, and gracefully curved neck. In this detailed study, we will explore its taxonomy, morphology, habitat, diet, breeding behavior, and its presence in the Sundarban ecosystem.

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Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Phoenicopteriformes

Family: Phoenicopteridae

Genus: Phoenicopterus

Species: Phoenicopterus roseus

The Greater Flamingo belongs to the family Phoenicopteridae, which includes all six flamingo species. Among them, it is the largest and most commonly found across various continents.

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Morphology and Physical Characteristics

1. Size & Weight

   • Height: 110–150 cm (3.6–4.9 ft)
   • Wingspan: 140–165 cm (4.5–5.4 ft)
   • Weight: 2–4 kg (4.4–8.8 lbs)

2. Plumage & Coloration

   • Adults display a beautiful pinkish-white plumage with vibrant pink wing coverts.
   • The primary and secondary flight feathers are black, but mostly hidden when at rest.
   • The intensity of their pink hue depends on their diet rich in carotenoid pigments.

3. Beak & Feeding Adaptations

   • The Greater Flamingo has a large, downward-curved beak, specifically adapted for filter-feeding.
   • The inside of the beak has lamellae, which help in straining microscopic organisms like algae, plankton, and small crustaceans.

4. Legs & Feet

   • Their long, slender legs allow them to wade through deep waters.
   • They possess webbed feet, which help in stirring up food from the bottom of shallow water bodies.

5. Neck & Posture

   • The long, gracefully curved neck consists of 19 cervical vertebrae, making it highly flexible.

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Habitat & Distribution

General Habitat

The Greater Flamingo is found in shallow coastal lagoons, salt pans, estuaries, and large alkaline or saline lakes. They prefer mudflats and brackish wetlands that provide abundant food resources.

Global Distribution

They are widely distributed across Africa, the Middle East, South and Central Asia, and Southern Europe. Some key locations include:

• Africa: Rift Valley lakes, coastal wetlands
• Europe: Spain, France, Italy, Turkey
• Asia: India, Pakistan, Iran, UAE, Sri Lanka

Presence in India

In India, the Greater Flamingo is a common winter visitor. Large flocks are seen in:

• Gujarat: Little Rann of Kutch, Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary
• Maharashtra: Sewri Mudflats, Thane Creek
• Rajasthan: Sambhar Lake
• Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh: Pulicat Lake
• West Bengal: Sundarban Biosphere Reserve

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Diet & Feeding Behavior

The Greater Flamingo is a filter feeder, primarily consuming:

• Blue-green algae
• Diatoms and phytoplankton
• Small crustaceans like shrimp
• Mollusks and aquatic insects

They stir up water using their webbed feet and use their specialized beak to filter out food. The pink coloration of flamingos comes from carotenoid pigments present in their diet.

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Breeding & Reproduction

1. Mating & Courtship

   • Mating occurs once a year and is synchronized within a colony.
   • Flamingos perform group courtship displays, involving synchronized movements and calls.

2. Nesting

   • They build mud mound nests in shallow water bodies.
   • A single white egg is laid per breeding season.

3. Parental Care

   • Both parents take turns incubating the egg for about 27–31 days.
   • The chick is fed “crop milk,” a protein-rich secretion from the parents.

4. Fledging & Maturity

   • Juvenile flamingos have grayish-white plumage, which gradually turns pink over 2–3 years.
   • They reach sexual maturity at 3–5 years.

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Special Features & Adaptations

• Unique Beak Structure: Allows efficient filter feeding.
• Webbed Feet: Helps in stirring up sediments and maintaining balance in water.
• Highly Social Behavior: They form large colonies for protection and efficient breeding.
• Flight Capability: Despite their long legs, flamingos are strong flyers, capable of traveling hundreds of kilometers to find suitable feeding grounds.

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Presence of Greater Flamingo in Sundarban

Are Flamingos Found in Sundarban?

Yes, but only as rare winter visitors. While Sundarban is not a primary habitat for Greater Flamingos, occasional sightings have been reported.

Why Are They Not Common in Sundarban?

• High Mangrove Density: Sundarban’s mudflats and dense mangroves are not the preferred habitat for flamingos, which prefer open wetlands and lagoons.
• Tidal Influence: Constantly changing water levels due to tides make it difficult for stable flamingo nesting.
• Predation Risk: Presence of tigers, crocodiles, and other predators limits their establishment.

Where Can They Be Seen in Sundarban?

• Near estuarine mudflats and salt pans, particularly in the fringes of Sundarban delta.
• Occasionally spotted in wetlands near Bakkhali and Fraserganj.
• More common in nearby coastal regions of Odisha and Bangladesh, where habitat conditions are more suitable.

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Conservation Status & Threats

The Greater Flamingo is listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN Red List, but faces threats such as:

• Habitat destruction due to wetland encroachment.
• Pollution from industrial waste and plastic ingestion.
• Illegal poaching for feathers and eggs.
• Climate change leading to wetland shrinkage.

Conservation Efforts

• Protected wetland reserves and sanctuaries in India.
• Eco-tourism projects promoting awareness.
• Ban on hunting and habitat destruction in various regions.

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The Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) is an elegant and highly social bird, thriving in saline and alkaline wetlands. While India hosts significant populations of this species, its presence in Sundarban is rare due to ecological constraints. Understanding its habitat requirements and conservation needs is crucial to ensuring the survival of this iconic wading bird.

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Wikipedia provides extensive insights – visit this link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_flamingo