Lesser flamingo - Revision history

imported>Apokryltaros: Reverted 1 edit by ~2025-41996-99 (talk) to last revision by 2601:6C1:903:1AA0:85EE:DD7B:140D:245E

2025-12-20T21:12:00Z

Reverted 1 edit by ~2025-41996-99 (talk) to last revision by 2601:6C1:903:1AA0:85EE:DD7B:140D:245E

← Previous revision		Revision as of 21:12, 20 December 2025
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	\| 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 \|date=2018 \|~~page~~=e.T22697369A129912906 \|doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22697369A129912906.en \|access-date=27 January 2022}}</ref>		\| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{cite iucn \|title=''Phoeniconaias minor'' \|author=BirdLife International \|date=2018 \|article-number=e.T22697369A129912906 \|doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22697369A129912906.en \|access-date=27 January 2022}}</ref>
	\| status2 = CITES_A2		\| status2 = CITES_A2
	\| status2_system = CITES		\| status2_system = CITES
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	\| species = minor		\| species = minor
	\| range_map = Phoeniconaias_minor_distr_map.png		\| range_map = Phoeniconaias_minor_distr_map.png
			\| range_map_caption = {{legend0\|#00a94f\| native range}}
	\| authority = ([[Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire\|Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, É]], 1798)		\| authority = ([[Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire\|Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, É]], 1798)
	\| synonyms = {{Species list		\| synonyms = {{Species list
	\|''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>		\|''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\|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>}}		\|''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 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]].		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 farther 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>{{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 \| 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.		[[File:Lesser Flamingo, Phoenicopterus minor at Marievale Nature Reserve, Gauteng, South Africa (27825325771), crop.jpg\|thumb\|left\|225px\|A close-up of the head at [[Marievale Bird Sanctuary\|Marievale]], South Africa]]
			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 }}</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 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|url=http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-flamingo.html\|title = Home \| 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 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 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/>		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/>
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	==Breeding==		==Breeding==
	[[File:Phoeniconaias minor MHNT 226 RdN Aftout Es Saheli Mauritanie.jpg\|thumb\|left\|Eggs]]		[[File:Phoeniconaias minor MHNT 226 RdN Aftout Es Saheli Mauritanie.jpg\|thumb\|left\|Eggs]]
	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>		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.\|bibcode=2015Ostri..86..221P \|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\|page=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}}.

	==Threats==		==Threats==
			[[File:Persuasion for crop milk, crop2.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Adult with begging juvenile, India]]
	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>		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]] 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>		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\|page=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>

	==References==		==References==

imported>MPF: better pic

2025-05-24T21:38:17Z

better pic

New page

{{Short description|Species of bird}}
{{Speciesbox
| status = NT
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| 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 = Flock of Lesser Flamingo along with juvenile near Jamnagar railway stationDSCN1798 1.jpg
| image_caption = Adults and two juveniles at [[Jamnagar]], India
| genus = Phoeniconaias
| species = minor
| range_map = Phoeniconaias_minor_distr_map.png
| authority = ([[Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire|Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, É]], 1798)
| synonyms = {{Species list
|''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|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 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==
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 | 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 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/>

==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==
[[File:Phoeniconaias minor MHNT 226 RdN Aftout Es Saheli Mauritanie.jpg|thumb|left|Eggs]]
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.|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}}.

==Threats==
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]] 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>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{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
* 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].
* Save the Flamingo - [http://www.savetheflamingo.co.za/ A site dedicated to the conservation of the South African breeding colony]

{{Flamingos}}
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[[Category:Phoeniconaias|lesser flamingo]]
[[Category:Flamingos|lesser flamingo]]
[[Category:Birds of Sub-Saharan Africa]]
[[Category:Birds of South Asia]]
[[Category:Birds of the Middle East]]
[[Category:Near threatened animals]]
[[Category:Near threatened biota of Africa]]
[[Category:Near threatened biota of Asia]]
[[Category:Birds described in 1798|lesser flamingo]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]