Greater Flamingo
Scientific Name: Phoenicopterus roseusMaltese Name: Fjamingu
Family: Flamingos (Phoenicopteriformes)
Occurence: Scarce
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Greater Flamingo is a large bird and well-known to many people. It is tall, pink and white plumage with a down curved bill. It has pink legs and reveals black wings with crimson red in flight. In flight its pink neck is a key feature in identification especially if seen very far away. Feeds on invertebrates and algae by funneling its beak through shallow water. It breeds in several colonies around the Mediterranean with c 35,000 pairs mainly in Spain, Sardinia, France and Turkey. Juvenile birds are darker and more grey. Often seen in flocks.
Status:
The Greater Flamingo is scarce and irregular, mostly seen in singles or small flocks offshore. Some singles or couples rest at Ghadira Nature Reserve for some time. A single 1st year flamingo stayed at Ghadira from September 2008 till May 2009. On 6th November 2008 a 1st year Flamingo, carrying a ring from Sardegna was present at Salina.
When to See:
It is recorded in a number of different months, but mostly in September migrating along the coast.
Where to See:
Occasionally some individuals 1-2 spend some hours or days at Ghadira Nature Reserve where they feed. Other sites; Qawra, Salina and around the coast.
Photographs:
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Adult Flamingo, 30th September 2006, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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| Adult Flamingo feeding, 30th September 2006, Ghadira Nature Reserve | Adult & Juvenile Flamingo, 30th September 2006, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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Flock of migrating Flamingos, Qawra, 2nd October 2010 |
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| 1st Year Flamingo with ring from Sardegna, 6th November 2009, Salina | Juvenile Flamingo, 18th September 2008, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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1st Year Flamingo, 6th December 2008, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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