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{{Short description|Species of bird}}
{{Short description|Species of bird}}
{{Speciesbox
{{Speciesbox
| name = Lesser flamingo
| status = NT
| status = NT
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name=IUCN>{{cite iucn |title=''Phoeniconaias minor'' |author=BirdLife International |author-link=BirdLife International |year=2018 |page=e.T22697369A129912906}}</ref>
| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{cite iucn |title=''Phoeniconaias minor'' |author=BirdLife International |date=2018 |page=e.T22697369A129912906 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22697369A129912906.en |access-date=27 January 2022}}</ref>
| status2 = CITES_A2
| status2_system = CITES
| status2_ref = <ref name=iucn/>
| image = Lesser Flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor) - Flickr - Lip Kee.jpg
| image = Lesser Flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor) - Flickr - Lip Kee.jpg
| image_caption = At [[Lake Nakuru]], [[Kenya]]
| image_caption = At [[Lake Nakuru]], [[Kenya]]
Line 10: Line 12:
| species = minor
| species = minor
| range_map = Phoeniconaias_minor_distr_map.png
| range_map = Phoeniconaias_minor_distr_map.png
| authority = [[Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire|Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire]], 1798
| authority = ([[Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire|Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, É]], 1798)
| synonyms = {{Species list
| synonyms = {{Species list
|Phoenicopterus minor|Geoffroy, 1798<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Geoffroy|first1=C.|title=Sur une nouvelle espèce de Phœnicoptère ou Flammant|journal=Bulletin des sciences par la Société philomathique|date=1798|volume=1|issue=15|url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/5492326}}</ref>
|''Phoenicopterus minor'' | Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1798<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Geoffroy|first1=C.|title=Sur une nouvelle espèce de Phœnicoptère ou Flammant |date=1798 |journal=Bulletin des sciences par la Société philomathique|volume=1|issue=15|url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/5492326}}</ref>
|Phoeniconaias minor|Gray, 1869<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Gray|first1=G. R.|title=Notes on the Bills of the species of Flamingo (Phœnicopterus) |journal=Ibis |date=1869|volume=5|issue=20|pages=438–443|doi=10.1111/j.1474-919X.1869.tb06897.x |url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/8619470|series=New Series}}</ref>}}
|''Phoeniconaias minor'' | [[Gray|George Robert Gray]], 1869<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Gray|first1=G.R. |title=Notes on the bills of the species of Flamingo (''Phœnicopterus'') |journal=Ibis |date=1869 |series=New Series |volume=5 |issue=20 |pages=438–443 |doi=10.1111/j.1474-919X.1869.tb06897.x |url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/8619470}}</ref>}}
}}
}}


The '''lesser flamingo''' (''Phoeniconaias minor'') is a [[species]] of [[flamingo]] occurring in [[sub-Saharan]] [[Africa]] and northwestern [[India]].<ref name=Manakadan2020>{{Cite journal |last1=Manakadan|first1=R. |last2=Khan|first2=A. N. |name-list-style=amp |date=2020|title=Birds of the Indian Subcontinent – In a Nutshell |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341930830 |journal=Buceros |volume=24 |issue=Special Issue 2 & 3|pages=1–79}}</ref> Birds are occasionally reported from further north, but these are generally considered [[Vagrancy (biology)|vagrants]].
The '''lesser flamingo''' ('''''Phoeniconaias minor''''') is a [[species]] of [[flamingo]] occurring in [[sub-Saharan]] [[Africa]] and western [[India]].<ref name=Manakadan2020>{{Cite journal |last1=Manakadan|first1=R. |last2=Khan|first2=A. N. |name-list-style=amp |date=2020|title=Birds of the Indian Subcontinent – In a Nutshell |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341930830 |journal=Buceros |volume=24 |issue=Special Issue 2 & 3|pages=1–79}}</ref> Birds are occasionally reported from further north, but these are generally considered [[Vagrancy (biology)|vagrants]].


==Characteristics==
==Characteristics==
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 {{convert|1.2|to|2.7|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090514084648/http://www.arkive.org/lesser-flamingo/phoeniconaias-minor/#text=Facts]</ref> The standing height is around {{convert|80|to|90|cm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref name=Seaworld>{{Cite web |url=http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/info-books/flamingo/physical-characteristics.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=2012-07-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710133948/http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/info-books/flamingo/physical-characteristics.htm |archive-date=2012-07-10 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>[http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-flamingo.html]</ref> The total length (from [[beak]] to tail) and wingspan are in the same range of measurements, from {{convert|90|to|105|cm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref name=Seaworld/><ref>{{cite book|author=Ali, S.|year=1993|title=The Book of Indian Birds|publisher=Bombay Natural History Society|location=Bombay|isbn=0-19-563731-3}}</ref> 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. Size is less helpful unless the species are together, since the sexes of each species also differ in height.
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 {{convert|1.2|to|2.7|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arkive.org/lesser-flamingo/phoeniconaias-minor/#text=Facts |title=Lesser flamingo - Phoeniconaias minor - ARKive |website=www.arkive.org |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090514084648/http://www.arkive.org/lesser-flamingo/phoeniconaias-minor/#text=Facts |archive-date=14 May 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The standing height is around {{convert|80|to|90|cm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref name=Seaworld>{{Cite web |url=http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/info-books/flamingo/physical-characteristics.htm |title=FLAMINGOS - Physical Characteristics |access-date=2012-07-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710133948/http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/info-books/flamingo/physical-characteristics.htm |archive-date=2012-07-10 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-flamingo.html|title = Home &#124; San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants}}</ref> The total length (from [[beak]] to tail) and wingspan are in the same range of measurements, from {{convert|90|to|105|cm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref name=Seaworld/><ref>{{cite book|author=Ali, S.|year=1993|title=The Book of Indian Birds|publisher=Bombay Natural History Society|location=Bombay|isbn=0-19-563731-3}}</ref> 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. Size is less helpful to distinguish the two species, unless they occur together, since the sexes of each species also differ in height.


The extinct species ''[[Phoeniconaias proeses]]'' in the same genus, from the [[Pliocene]] of Australia, is thought to have been even smaller.<ref name=M63>{{Cite journal|last1=Miller|first1=A.H.|year=1963|title=The fossil flamingos of Australia.|url=https://sora.unm.edu/sites/default/files/journals/condor/v065n04/p0289-p0299.pdf|journal=The Condor|volume=65|issue=4|pages=289–299|doi=10.2307/1365355|jstor=1365355 }}</ref>
The lesser flamingo may be the most numerous species of flamingo, with a population that (at its peak) probably numbered up to two million individual birds. This species feeds primarily on ''[[Spirulina (genus)|Spirulina]]'', [[algae]] which grow only in very [[Soda lake|alkaline lakes]]. Presence of flamingo groups near water bodies is indication of [[Alkali soils|sodic alkaline]] water which is not suitable for irrigation use. Although blue-green in colour, the algae contain the [[photosynthetic pigment]]s that give the birds their pink colour. Their deep bill is specialised for filtering tiny food items.


The lesser flamingo may be the most common species of flamingo, with a population that (at its peak) probably numbered up to two million individual birds. This species feeds primarily on ''[[Spirulina (genus)|Spirulina]]'', [[algae]] which grow only in very [[Soda lake|alkaline lakes]]. Presence of flamingo groups near water bodies is an indication of [[Alkali soils|sodic alkaline]] water which is not suitable for irrigation use. Although blue-green in colour, the algae contain the [[photosynthetic pigment]]s that give the birds their pink colour. Their deep bill is specially adapted for filtering tiny food items. Other forms of algae taken are ''[[Synechocystis]] minuscula'', ''[[Synechococcus]] pevalekii'', ''[[Synechococcus elongatus]]'', ''[[Monoraphidium]] minutum'', ''[[Oscillatoria]]'' sp. and ''[[Lyngbya]]'' sp.<ref name=ADW>{{cite web | url=https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Phoeniconaias_minor/ | title=Phoeniconaias minor (Lesser flamingo) | website=[[Animal Diversity Web]] }}</ref><ref name=BOW>{{cite journal | url=https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/lesfla1/cur/introduction | title=Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor), version 1.0 | journal=Birds of the World | date=2020 | last1=Del Hoyo | first1=Josep | last2=Boesman | first2=Peter F. D. | last3=Garcia | first3=Ernest | last4=Kirwan | first4=Guy M. }}</ref> This species will also feed, to a lesser extent, on small invertebrates: copepods (''[[Paradiaptomus africanus]]''), diatoms (''[[Navicula]]'') and rotifers (''[[Brachionus]]''), as well as microscopic [[Alkaliphile|alkaliphilic]] [[cyanobacteria]] (''[[Arthrospira]] fusiformis'', ''A. maxima'').<ref name=ADW/><ref name=BOW/>
Lesser flamingos are prey to a variety of species, including [[marabou stork]], hyena, cheetah, jackal, lion, leopard, [[baboon]], [[African fish eagle]], [[African wildcat]], and [[African golden wolf]].{{citation needed|date=June 2019}}

==Predators==
Lesser flamingos are prey to a variety of species, including [[marabou stork]]s, [[vulture]]s, [[baboon]]s, [[African fish eagle]]s, [[jackal]]s, [[hyena]]s, [[fox]]es, [[Great white pelican]]s, [[Martial Eagle]], and [[big cat]]s.<ref>DiBuono, L. 2017. "Phoeniconaias minor" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed March 05, 2021 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Phoeniconaias_minor/</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.oaklandzoo.org/animals/lesser-flamingo|title= Lesser Flamingo |date= 2020 |website= Oakland Zoo |access-date= 4 March 2021}}</ref>


==Breeding==
==Breeding==
[[File:Phoeniconaias minor MHNT 226 RdN Aftout Es Saheli Mauritanie.jpg|thumb|left|Eggs, [[Muséum de Toulouse]]]]
[[File:Phoeniconaias minor MHNT 226 RdN Aftout Es Saheli Mauritanie.jpg|thumb|left|Eggs]]
In Africa, where they are most numerous, the lesser flamingos breed principally on the highly [[Corrosive substance|caustic]] [[Lake Natron]] in northern [[Tanzania]]. Their other African breeding sites are at [[Etosha Pan]], [[Makgadikgadi Pan]], and [[Kamfers Dam]]. The last confirmed breeding at [[Aftout es Saheli]] in coastal [[Mauritania]] was in 1965. Breeding occurred at [[Lake Magadi]] in [[Kenya]] in 1962 when Lake Natron was unsuitable due to flooding. In the early 20th century, breeding was also observed at [[Lake Nakuru]].<ref name="ABB">{{cite journal |author=Anderson, M. D. |title = A Vision in Pink, Lesser Flamingo Breeding Success|journal = Africa - Birds & Birding|volume=13 |pages=42–49 |date=2008 |issue=2}}</ref>
In Africa, where they are most common, the lesser flamingos breed principally on the highly [[Corrosive substance|caustic]] [[Lake Natron]] in northern [[Ngorongoro District, Arusha|Ngorongoro District]] in [[Arusha Region]] of [[Tanzania]]. Their other African breeding sites are at [[Etosha Pan]], [[Makgadikgadi Pan]], and [[Kamfers Dam]]. The last confirmed breeding season at [[Aftout es Saheli]] in coastal [[Mauritania]] was in 1965. Breeding occurred at [[Lake Magadi]] in [[Kenya]] in 1962 when Lake Natron was unsuitable due to flooding. In the early 20th century, breeding was also observed at [[Lake Nakuru]].<ref name="ABB">{{cite journal |author=Anderson, M. D. |title = A Vision in Pink, Lesser Flamingo Breeding Success|journal = Africa - Birds & Birding|volume=13 |pages=42–49 |date=2008 |issue=2}}</ref>


The species also breeds in southwestern and southern Asia. In 1974, they bred at the [[Rann of Kutch]], but since then, only at the [[Zinzuwadia]] and [[Purabcheria]] [[Salt pan (geology)|salt pans]] in northwestern India.<ref name="ABB"/><ref name=Manakadan2020 /> Some movement of individuals occurs between Africa and India.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.2989/00306525.2015.1053827 |title=Long-distance dispersal capability of Lesser Flamingo ''Phoeniconaias minor'' between India and Africa: Genetic inferences for future conservation plans |journal=Ostrich |volume=86 |issue=3|pages=221|year=2015|last1=Parasharya|first1=B.M.|last2=Rank|first2=D.N. |last3=Harper|first3=D.M. |last4=Crosa|first4=G. |last5=Zaccara |first5=S. |last6=Patel|first6=N. |last7=Joshi|first7=C.G.|s2cid=86056411 }}</ref>
The species also breeds in southwestern and southern Asia. In 1974, they bred at the [[Rann of Kutch]], but since then, only at the [[Zinzuwadia]] and [[Purabcheria]] [[Salt pan (geology)|salt pans]] in northwestern India.<ref name="ABB"/><ref name=Manakadan2020 /> Some movement of individuals occurs between Africa and India.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.2989/00306525.2015.1053827 |title=Long-distance dispersal capability of Lesser Flamingo ''Phoeniconaias minor'' between India and Africa: Genetic inferences for future conservation plans |journal=Ostrich |volume=86 |issue=3|pages=221|year=2015|last1=Parasharya|first1=B.M.|last2=Rank|first2=D.N. |last3=Harper|first3=D.M. |last4=Crosa|first4=G. |last5=Zaccara |first5=S. |last6=Patel|first6=N. |last7=Joshi|first7=C.G.|bibcode=2015Ostri..86..221P |s2cid=86056411 }}</ref>


Like all flamingos, they lay a single chalky-white [[bird egg|egg]] on a mound they build of mud. Chicks join [[creche (zoology)|creches]] soon after hatching, sometimes numbering over 100,000 individuals. The creches are marshalled by a few adult birds that lead them by foot to fresh water, a journey that can reach over {{convert|20|mi|km|abbr=on}}.
Like all flamingos, they lay a single chalky-white [[bird egg|egg]] on a mound they build of mud. Chicks join [[creche (zoology)|creches]] soon after hatching, sometimes numbering over 100,000 individuals. The creches are marshalled by a few adult birds that lead them by foot to fresh water, a journey that can reach over {{convert|20|mi|km|abbr=on}}.


==Conservation==
==Threats==
Despite being the most numerous species of flamingo, it is classified as [[near threatened]] due to its declining population and the low number of breeding sites, some of which are threatened by human activities.<ref name="Save">{{cite web|last = Anderson |first = M. D. |title=Save the Flamingo|url= http://www.savetheflamingo.co.za/|access-date = 2008-08-20}}</ref>
Despite being the most common species of flamingo, it is classified as [[near threatened]] due to its declining population and the low number of breeding sites, some of which are threatened by human activities.<ref name="Save">{{cite web|last = Anderson |first = M. D. |title=Save the Flamingo|url= http://www.savetheflamingo.co.za/|access-date = 2008-08-20}}</ref>

⚫
The population in the two key East African lakes, [[Lake Nakuru|Nakuru]] and [[Lake Bogoria|Bogoria]], have been adversely affected in recent years by suspected [[heavy metals|heavy metal]] [[poison]]ing, while its primary African breeding area in Lake Natron is currently under threat by a proposed soda ash plant by [[Tata Chemicals]].<ref name="ABB2">{{cite journal |title = TA-TA to Lake Natron's flamingos|journal = Africa - Birds & Birding |volume = 12|pages=16|date =2007 | issue=4}}</ref> The only breeding site in South Africa, situated at [[Kamfers Dam]], is threatened by pollution and encroaching development.<ref name="MG">{{cite news |last = Macleod|first = F. |title = Flamingo row: Officials 'under house arrest' |publisher = Mail&Guardian|date=2008 |url =http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-08-20-flamingo-row-officials-under-house-arrest |access-date =2008-08-20}}</ref>

The lesser flamingo is one of the species to which the [[AEWA|Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds]] applies.


⚫
The population in the two key East African lakes, [[Lake Nakuru]] and [[Lake Bogoria]], have been adversely affected in recent years by suspected [[heavy metals|heavy metal]] [[poison]]ing, while its primary African breeding area in Lake Natron is currently under threat by a proposed soda ash plant by [[Tata Chemicals]].<ref name="ABB2">{{cite journal |title = TA-TA to Lake Natron's flamingos|journal = Africa - Birds & Birding |volume=12|pages=16 |date=2007 |issue=4}}</ref> The only breeding site in South Africa, situated at [[Kamfers Dam]], is threatened by pollution and encroaching development.<ref name="MG">{{cite news |last = Macleod|first = F. |title = Flamingo row: Officials 'under house arrest' |publisher = Mail&Guardian|date=2008 |url =http://www.mg.co.za/article/2008-08-20-flamingo-row-officials-under-house-arrest |access-date =2008-08-20}}</ref> East African soda lake productivity declines due to rising water levels are another threat to the lesser flamingo.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Byrne |first1=A. |last2=Tebbs |first2=E.J. |last3=Njoroge |first3=P. |last4=Nkwabi |first4=A. |last5=Chadwick |first5=M.A. |last6=Freeman |first6=R. |last7=Harper |first7=D. |last8=Norris |first8=K. |date=2024 |title=Productivity declines threaten East African soda lakes and the iconic Lesser Flamingo |journal=Current Biology |doi=10.1016/j.cub.2024.03.006 |volume= 34|issue= 8|pages=1786–1793.e4|doi-access=free |bibcode=2024CBio...34.1786B }}</ref>
==Media==
<gallery>
File:Lesser Flamingos I - Chilika IMG 9298.jpg|In [[Chilika]], [[Odisha]], [[India]]
File:Phoeniconaias minor.jpg|At [[Disney's Animal Kingdom]]
File:Flamingo00.jpg|Painting by [[C. G. Finch-Davies]]
File:Phoeniconaias minor3.jpg|Lake Nakuru, Kenya
File:Phoeniconaias minor.ogv|Video taken at [[Disney's Animal Kingdom]]
File:Lesser Flamingos, 2000 adults, Kamfersdam.jpg|Breeding colony at Kamfers Dam
File:Lesser Flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor) juvenile in flight.jpg|Juvenile in flight, Madagascar
File:Phoenicopterus minor -Lake Bogoria, Kenya-8a.jpg|Huge flock at [[Lake Bogoria]], [[Kenya]]
</gallery>


==References==
==References==
Line 57: Line 48:
==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons and category|Phoenicopterus minor|Lesser Flamingo (''Phoenicopterus minor'')}}
{{Commons and category|Phoenicopterus minor|Lesser Flamingo (''Phoenicopterus minor'')}}
⚫
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090413164043/http://www.flamingoresources.org/ Flamingo Resource Centre] - a collection of resources and information related to flamingos
*[http://www.flamingo-sg.org/en/species/phoeniconaias-minor Lesser Flamingo]{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} from the IUCN/Wetlands International Flamingo Specialist Group
⚫
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090413164043/http://www.flamingoresources.org/ Flamingo Resource Centre] - a collection of resources and information related to flamingos
* ARKive - [https://web.archive.org/web/20041230104414/http://www.arkive.org/species/GES/birds/Phoenicopterus_minor/ Images and movies of the lesser flamingo ''(Phoenicopterus minor)'']
* ARKive - [https://web.archive.org/web/20041230104414/http://www.arkive.org/species/GES/birds/Phoenicopterus_minor/ Images and movies of the lesser flamingo ''(Phoenicopterus minor)'']
* Lesser Flamingo - [http://sabap2.adu.org.za/docs/sabap1/097.pdf Species text in The Atlas of Southern African Birds].
* Lesser Flamingo - [http://sabap2.adu.org.za/docs/sabap1/097.pdf Species text in The Atlas of Southern African Birds].
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{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


⚫
[[Category:Phoeniconaias|lesser flamingo]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:flamingo, lesser}}
⚫
[[Category:Phoenicopteridae|lesser flamingo]]
[[Category:Flamingos|lesser flamingo]]
[[Category:Flamingos|lesser flamingo]]
[[Category:Birds of Sub-Saharan Africa]]
[[Category:Birds of Sub-Saharan Africa]]

Latest revision as of 01:57, 24 November 2024

Lesser flamingo
At Lake Nakuru, Kenya
CITES Appendix II (CITES)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Phoenicopteriformes
Family: Phoenicopteridae
Genus: Phoeniconaias
Species:
P. minor
Binomial name
Phoeniconaias minor
Synonyms

The lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) is a species of flamingo occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and western India.[4] Birds are occasionally reported from further north, but these are generally considered vagrants.

Characteristics

[edit]

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).[5] The standing height is around 80 to 90 cm (31 to 35 in).[6][7] 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).[6][8] 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. Size is less helpful to distinguish the two species, unless they occur together, since the sexes of each species also differ in height.

The extinct species Phoeniconaias proeses in the same genus, from the Pliocene of Australia, is thought to have been even smaller.[9]

The lesser flamingo may be the most common species of flamingo, with a population that (at its peak) probably numbered up to two million individual birds. This species feeds primarily on Spirulina, algae which grow only in very alkaline lakes. Presence of flamingo groups near water bodies is an indication of sodic alkaline water which is not suitable for irrigation use. Although blue-green in colour, the algae contain the photosynthetic pigments that give the birds their pink colour. Their deep bill is specially adapted for filtering tiny food items. Other forms of algae taken are Synechocystis minuscula, Synechococcus pevalekii, Synechococcus elongatus, Monoraphidium minutum, Oscillatoria sp. and Lyngbya sp.[10][11] This species will also feed, to a lesser extent, on small invertebrates: copepods (Paradiaptomus africanus), diatoms (Navicula) and rotifers (Brachionus), as well as microscopic alkaliphilic cyanobacteria (Arthrospira fusiformis, A. maxima).[10][11]

Predators

[edit]

Lesser flamingos are prey to a variety of species, including marabou storks, vultures, baboons, African fish eagles, jackals, hyenas, foxes, Great white pelicans, Martial Eagle, and big cats.[12][13]

Breeding

[edit]
Eggs

In Africa, where they are most common, the lesser flamingos breed principally on the highly caustic Lake Natron in northern Ngorongoro District in Arusha Region of Tanzania. Their other African breeding sites are at Etosha Pan, Makgadikgadi Pan, and Kamfers Dam. The last confirmed breeding season at Aftout es Saheli in coastal Mauritania was in 1965. Breeding occurred at Lake Magadi in Kenya in 1962 when Lake Natron was unsuitable due to flooding. In the early 20th century, breeding was also observed at Lake Nakuru.[14]

The species also breeds in southwestern and southern Asia. In 1974, they bred at the Rann of Kutch, but since then, only at the Zinzuwadia and Purabcheria salt pans in northwestern India.[14][4] Some movement of individuals occurs between Africa and India.[15]

Like all flamingos, they lay a single chalky-white egg on a mound they build of mud. Chicks join creches soon after hatching, sometimes numbering over 100,000 individuals. The creches are marshalled by a few adult birds that lead them by foot to fresh water, a journey that can reach over 20 mi (32 km).

Threats

[edit]

Despite being the most common species of flamingo, it is classified as near threatened due to its declining population and the low number of breeding sites, some of which are threatened by human activities.[16]

The population in the two key East African lakes, Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria, have been adversely affected in recent years by suspected heavy metal poisoning, while its primary African breeding area in Lake Natron is currently under threat by a proposed soda ash plant by Tata Chemicals.[17] The only breeding site in South Africa, situated at Kamfers Dam, is threatened by pollution and encroaching development.[18] East African soda lake productivity declines due to rising water levels are another threat to the lesser flamingo.[19]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b BirdLife International (2018). "Phoeniconaias minor". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T22697369A129912906. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22697369A129912906.en. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  2. ^ Geoffroy, C. (1798). "Sur une nouvelle espèce de Phœnicoptère ou Flammant". Bulletin des sciences par la Société philomathique. 1 (15).
  3. ^ Gray, G.R. (1869). "Notes on the bills of the species of Flamingo (Phœnicopterus)". Ibis. New Series. 5 (20): 438–443. doi:10.1111/j.1474-919X.1869.tb06897.x.
  4. ^ a b Manakadan, R. & Khan, A. N. (2020). "Birds of the Indian Subcontinent – In a Nutshell". Buceros. 24 (Special Issue 2 & 3): 1–79.
  5. ^ "Lesser flamingo - Phoeniconaias minor - ARKive". www.arkive.org. Archived from the original on 14 May 2009. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  6. ^ a b "FLAMINGOS - Physical Characteristics". Archived from the original on 2012-07-10. Retrieved 2012-07-23.
  7. ^ "Home | San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants".
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  10. ^ a b "Phoeniconaias minor (Lesser flamingo)". Animal Diversity Web.
  11. ^ a b Del Hoyo, Josep; Boesman, Peter F. D.; Garcia, Ernest; Kirwan, Guy M. (2020). "Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor), version 1.0". Birds of the World.
  12. ^ DiBuono, L. 2017. "Phoeniconaias minor" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed March 05, 2021 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Phoeniconaias_minor/
  13. ^ "Lesser Flamingo". Oakland Zoo. 2020. Retrieved 4 March 2021.
  14. ^ a b Anderson, M. D. (2008). "A Vision in Pink, Lesser Flamingo Breeding Success". Africa - Birds & Birding. 13 (2): 42–49.
  15. ^ Parasharya, B.M.; Rank, D.N.; Harper, D.M.; Crosa, G.; Zaccara, S.; Patel, N.; Joshi, C.G. (2015). "Long-distance dispersal capability of Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor between India and Africa: Genetic inferences for future conservation plans". Ostrich. 86 (3): 221. Bibcode:2015Ostri..86..221P. doi:10.2989/00306525.2015.1053827. S2CID 86056411.
  16. ^ Anderson, M. D. "Save the Flamingo". Retrieved 2008-08-20.
  17. ^ "TA-TA to Lake Natron's flamingos". Africa - Birds & Birding. 12 (4): 16. 2007.
  18. ^ Macleod, F. (2008). "Flamingo row: Officials 'under house arrest'". Mail&Guardian. Retrieved 2008-08-20.
  19. ^ Byrne, A.; Tebbs, E.J.; Njoroge, P.; Nkwabi, A.; Chadwick, M.A.; Freeman, R.; Harper, D.; Norris, K. (2024). "Productivity declines threaten East African soda lakes and the iconic Lesser Flamingo". Current Biology. 34 (8): 1786–1793.e4. Bibcode:2024CBio...34.1786B. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2024.03.006.
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