Phoeniconaias minor

The lesser flamingo is the smallest and most numerous flamingo species in the world, famous for its pink feathers and graceful stance. These beautiful birds are an important part of wetland ecosystems across Africa and parts of southern Asia.

Lesser flamingos live in shallow lakes, salt pans, lagoons, and wetlands. They prefer alkaline waters rich in algae, which is their main food source. Large flocks can gather in the thousands, creating breathtaking pink landscapes across the water.

Lesser flamingos are filter feeders, meaning they strain food from the water using their specialized beaks. Their diet mainly consists of blue-green algae and tiny microorganisms. The pigments in their food are what give them their signature pink color! Unlike other types of flamingos, lesser flamingos only become light pink when eating shrimp.

These flamingos are highly social and live in massive colonies. Breeding colonies can include millions of birds. They build cone-shaped mud nests, where females lay a single egg. Both parents help incubate and care for the chick.

Did You Know?
Lesser flamingos can live 30–40 years! They often stand on one leg to conserve body heat. Their large flocks provide safety in numbers, helping protect them from predators.