Greater Flamingo

Photos copyright: monacoeye • Camargue, France • May 2009 • Do not copy without permission

Bird name: Greater Flamingo
Latin: Phoenicopterus roseus
Other: Flamingo • Phoenicopterus ruber
Family: Phoenicopteridae • Flamingos

Surprisingly perhaps, the Greater Flamingo is native to France and can be seen quite easily in certain areas such as the Camargue. Flamingos are unmistakeable.

Juveniles have the brown and white colouring. Adults have reddish pink legs and yellow irises, reddish wings with a black border of primary feathers.

There are six flamingo species in the world, four in the Americas and two in the Old World. As a genetic family they are somewhat unique and are not easily grouped in with other birds - currently they usually fall under the larger heron group Ciconiiformes. It's not clear if Greater Flamingos themselves are a separate species, P. roseus, or a subspecies of P. ruber.

The outstretched wings and necks form part of their courtship display. Flamingos are well known for sleeping on one leg, but never toppling over.