Flamingoes

Identification. Greater flamingo flamongoes.JPG (15407 bytes)is larger and taller at 105-155 sm (lesser flamingo is about two-third of great flamingo at 90-105 sm), body of greater flamingoes1.JPG (11337 bytes)flamingo is whiter with pink and red patches (lesser has pinker body evenly coloured), greater flamingo's beak/bill is light pink with black tip (lesser flamingo has evenly dark red bill with hooked shape which looks black from a distance), legs of greater flamingo are pink (lesser's - red), immatures: both species: plumage grey and white for approximately 2 years, pink colour from approximately 3 years onwards, food/feeding: greater is carnivore and bottomfeeder (molluscs, crustaceans, insects, larvae), lesser is herbivore and top feeder (blue-green algae, vegetable matter).
The two species can feed side by side as there is no competition for food. Flamongoes feed on tiny organisms either animal or vegetable matter which they filter out of mud or water. The tongue acts as a piston. It sucks water into the beak and then forces it out  so that food items are trapped against filters along the edge of the beak.
The pink and red colour derives from bacteria in the salt water - the shrimps and algae on which they feed contain carotene which produces the various shades of pink.
Breeding. Sexual maturity of flamingoes is from 4-5 years of age.
Incubation period is 30 days (Etosha park and Makgadikgadi in Botswana). Young birds start to fly when they are 85 days old. Lifespan is 25-30 years.
Numbers and conservation. The population is about 30 000 of each species. The wetland in Walvis Bay is a vital link in a global network of nature reserves. Should Walvis Bay lagoon be lost to these birds there are few other locations where they can move to. The result would be substantial mortality of displaced birds. Walvis Bay wetland is a vital refuge for flamingoes during dry time of the year. They breed inland on pans created by summer rains. In the dry winter season the pans dry up and the birds fly to coastal wetland Walvis Bay is the single most important location.

Other tours

Our safaris

Fishing trips Self-drive tours

Search our site

Shuttle services

Horse and camel trails Geological tours

Kaokoland tours

Hunting

Hot air balloon Flights

Budget travel shop

Camping equipment hire

Chauffeur services Paul Graetz tour

Bookmark and Share

Page created and serviced by

www.namibweb.com

Copyright © 1998-2024 namibweb.com - The online guide to Namibia
All rights reserved |
JOIN | VIDEO PORTFOLIO | VIDEO/PHOTO COLLECTION
Telegram | YouTube | Blog
Page is sponsored by ETS & Exploring Namibia TV

Disclaimer: no matter how often this page is updated and its accuracy is checked, www.namibweb.com and ETS
will not be held responsible for any change in opinion, information, facilities, services, conditions, etc. offered by
establishment/operator/service/information provider or any third party