Greater Flamingo: The Pink Elegance of the Wetlands

The greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) is the largest and most widespread flamingo species, known for its vibrant pink plumage and graceful demeanor. Found across Africa, Asia, and southern Europe, these birds inhabit shallow waterbodies such as lagoons, estuaries, and saline lakes.

Their pink color intensifies with age, thanks to the carotenoid-rich diet of algae and crustaceans. Greater flamingos are social animals, often forming large colonies where they engage in coordinated group displays and "dances" during mating seasons. While not currently endangered, they face threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and changes in water levels. Efforts to conserve wetlands are crucial to protect these icons of beauty and balance in nature.