Flamingos Of India

Lesser Flamingo 

Where Is It Found?

Besides sub-Saharan Africa, a population of the lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) occurs in India.

Where Can It Be Seen In India?

Can be seen in Sambhar Salt Lake in Rajasthan, Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, Chilka Lake in Orissa, Point Calimere in Tamil Nadu and also other parts of the country. Breeds in Greater Rann of Kutch. 

Physical Features (Differences from the Greater Flamingo)

The bird is 80 to 90 cm tall an weighs between 1.2 and 2.7 kg. The size is generally smaller than that of the greater flamingo but size is less diagnostic as it varies greatly between sexes,

Plumage is darker rose-pink than greater flamingo.

Bill is dark colored and has crimson feathers at base (difference from greater flamingo)

Upper mandible does not overlap the lower one.

Shorter, trailing legs than greater flamingo, diagnostic in flight. 

Feeding Habit

Feeds mainly on algae, diatoms, and shrimp. Bill is specialized for filtering food items. 

Greater Flamingo

Where Is It Found?

The most widespread among the birds of the flamingo family, the greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) is found on the Indian subcontinent, Africa, southern Europe, and the Middle East.

Where Can It Be Seen In India?

In jheels, lagoons, estuaries, salt pans throughout the Indian subcontinent. Can be observed in the Gujarat state of India where it is sighted at the Flamingo City, Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary,  Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, and the Thol Bird Sanctuary throughout the winter season. 

Physical Features (Differences from the Lesser Flamingo)

Largest among the flamingos. 110–150 cm tall, weight between 2 and 4 kg. 

A heavy pink bill with a small patch of black at the tip.

Plumage is pinkish white, wing covers are red, black primary and secondary flight feathers.

Outstretched neck and legs, and black bordered scarlet wings diagnostic in flight.

Feeding Habit

Feeds with head and slender neck bent down, head between the legs and completely submerged. Upper mandible forms a scoop where the churned up mud is momentarily stored and stained with the help of the fleshy tongue and lamellae.

Feeds on worms, crustaceans, insect larvae and seeds obtained from marsh plants.