Lesser Flamingo
Phoeniconaias minor
The Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) is a uncommon flamingo found in 38 countries, weighing about 1.5 kg. The lesser flamingo is a species of flamingo occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and western India.
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.
How to identify it
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.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States, Sweden, Germany, United Kingdom, Mayotte, Norway.
When to see it
The Lesser Flamingo can be seen all year round, with peak activity in January. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Watch the Lesser Flamingo on live cams
Browse all 118 bird cams worldwide, live and seasonal, by region and species.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Lesser Flamingo?
- The lesser flamingo is the smallest species of flamingo, though it is a tall and large bird by most standards. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Lesser Flamingo?
- The Lesser Flamingo is a huge sized bird weighing about 1.5 kg.
- Where can you see a Lesser Flamingo?
- The Lesser Flamingo occurs in 38 countries, including South Africa, India, Kenya, Tanzania and Namibia.
- What birds look similar to a Lesser Flamingo?
- The Lesser Flamingo is most easily confused with the Chilean Flamingo, the Andean Flamingo and the James's Flamingo.
- Is the Lesser Flamingo endangered?
- The Lesser Flamingo is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Lesser Flamingo for real
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