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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 | | | 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 | ||
| Line 12: | Line 12: | ||
| 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 | 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 | [[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 | 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 | 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| | 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== | ||
Latest revision as of 21:12, 20 December 2025
Template:Short description Template:Speciesbox
The lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) is a species of flamingo occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and western India.[1] Birds are occasionally reported from farther north, but these are generally considered vagrants.
Characteristics
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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 Script error: No such module "convert"..[2] The standing height is around Script error: No such module "convert"..[3][4] The total length (from beak to tail) and wingspan are in the same range of measurements, from Script error: No such module "convert"..[3][5] 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.[6]
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.[7][8] 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).[7][8]
Predators
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.[9][10]
Breeding
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.[11]
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.[11][1] Some movement of individuals occurs between Africa and India.[12]
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 Script error: No such module "convert"..
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.[13]
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.[14] The only breeding site in South Africa, situated at Kamfers Dam, is threatened by pollution and encroaching development.[15] East African soda lake productivity declines due to rising water levels are another threat to the lesser flamingo.[16]
References
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- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ DiBuono, L. 2017. "Phoeniconaias minor" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed March 05, 2021 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Phoeniconaias_minor/
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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External links
- Flamingo Resource Centre - a collection of resources and information related to flamingos
- ARKive - Images and movies of the lesser flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor)
- Lesser Flamingo - Species text in The Atlas of Southern African Birds.
- Save the Flamingo - A site dedicated to the conservation of the South African breeding colony
Template:Flamingos Template:Taxonbar Template:Authority control