Lifespan
28 years in the wild & 44 years under human care
Quick facts
Diet
Microscopic algae & small aquatic invertebrates
Habitat
Alkaline lakes, saline lakes, salt pans & coastal lagoons
RangePredominantly found in the southern region of Africa reaching as far south as South Africa
The Lesser Flamingo
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A Sea of Vigilant Pink
Out of six flamingo species, the lesser flamingo is the smallest and most numerous with around three million individuals. They live in large flocks of hundreds to thousands of birds to reduce predation risk.
If a predator is detected, a bird straightens out its S-shaped neck which is rapidly mimicked by its flock mates. The flock then flies away or performs a threat display by lunging at the predator.
Upside Down Feeding
Lesser flamingos inhabit salty and alkaline lakes and lagoons. They filter-feed on microorganisms with beaks held upside down. The food turns their feathers pink. In Bird Paradise, our flamingos are given a special diet to stay in the pink of health! These birds are most active at dawn and dusk, feeding most of the time.
Fly The Extra Mile
Extensive movements involving huge flocks occur when the living conditions become unsuitable. Lesser flamingos fly in a V formation, travelling several hundred kilometres overnight to look for suitable feeding or breeding grounds. One satellite-tracked individual flew 525km overnight from Mauritania to Guinea Bissau!
Mesmerising Male Moves
Flocks of males perform a mesmerising courtship dance to attract mates, including head wagging and bobbing, bowing, honking, wing salutations, broken neck posture and more.
Each display can last for hours and is repeated for days or even months. Females can be polyandrous, breeding with more than one male. Lesser flamingos pair up to build a nest of mud where one egg is laid. Parents take turns at incubation.
