One example is Lake Natron in Northern Tanzania, the most important breeding site in the world for Lesser Flamingos. Tough is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you lay eyes on a flamingo, but they have adapted to extremely challenging environments where many other animals couldn’t survive. The birds consider compatibility when choosing who to befriend, and will avoid individuals they dislike.įlamingos have adapted to survive in extreme conditions Flamingos commonly mate for life, and also make loyal, life-long friends. This safety in numbers approach helps to protect them from predators. Young flamingos are white or grey until their colour kicks in at around two years old.įlamingos are a social species, choosing to live in flocks of hundreds or even thousands of individuals. The algae, molluscs, and crustaceans they eat contain pigments and the amount of pigment in their food determines the shade of their plumage. While flamingos are famous for their pink feathers, shades can vary from white to pink to orange depending on their diet. Threats to their survival include water pollution, habitat loss, collisions with electrical wires, lead poisoning, egg harvesting, and disturbance from hunting and tourism.įortunately, Mar Chiquita, the biggest saltwater lake in South America and a haven for three threatened flamingo species, is in the process of becoming Argentina’s largest national park with the help of Aves Argentinas (BirdLife Partner) and international support. The Lesser flamingo, Puna flamingo, and Chilean flamingo are Near Threatened, meaning they are in danger of decline in the near future if we do not act now to protect them. The Andean flamingo is the rarest and most threatened species and is considered Vulnerable by BirdLife. Of the six species, four are of conservation concern. There are six species of flamingo which inhabit lakes, mudflats, and shallow lagoons in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Flocks of flamingos are a sight to behold, and our work at BirdLife aims to ensure that their future is as bright as their feathers. Flamingos are arguably among the most recognisable species of bird thanks to their long legs, slender necks, and striking colour.
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