Lesser Flamingo

Phoeniconaias minor

Near Threatened · IUCN Red List

NTNear ThreatenedPlantsWetlandPlatform nestHuge · 1.5 kg

ID tip

The lesser flamingo is the smallest species of flamingo, though it is a tall and large bird by most standards. The species can weigh from 1.2 to 2.7 kg (2.6 to 6.0 lb). The standing height is around 80 to 90 cm (31 to 35 in). The total length (from beak to tail) and wingspan are in the same range of measurements, from 90 to 105 cm (35 to 41 in). Most of the plumage is pinkish white. The clearest difference between this species and the greater flamingo, the only other Old World species of flamingo, is the much more extensive black on the bill.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

When to see the Lesser Flamingo

One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is January, the month with the most records.

Where to see the Lesser Flamingo

Regular rangeRare visitor

The map shades 32 countries with regular records, and 6 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.

Recorded as a rare visitor in United States, Sweden, Germany, United Kingdom, Mayotte, Norway.

About the Lesser Flamingo

The lesser flamingo is a species of flamingo occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and western India. Birds are occasionally reported from farther north, but these are generally considered vagrants.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Easily confused with

Side by side: Chilean Flamingo vs Lesser Flamingo · Andean Flamingo vs Lesser Flamingo · James's Flamingo vs Lesser Flamingo

Watch the Lesser Flamingo on live cams

Lesser Flamingos at Kamfers Dam stream previewLIVE
Lesser Flamingos at Kamfers DamKimberley, South Africa · explore.org

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