Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
Lesser Flamingo
Scientific name: Phoeniconaias minor

IUCN Status: Near Threatened
Family: PHOENICOPTERIDAE
Group: Birds
Shyness: Suspicious
Safe distance: 10 m
Breeding season / Courtship: N/A
Gestation: 27–31 jours
Births: N/A
Habitat:
alkaline lakes, salt marshes, coastal lagoons
Description:
The Lesser Flamingo, Phoeniconaias minor, is a graceful and slender bird, primarily found in the alkaline lakes of East Africa and some regions of India. It is distinguished by its pale pink plumage, long and thin legs, and a dark red, curved beak. This flamingo is the smallest of its kind, standing about 80 to 90 cm tall. It lives in large colonies, often consisting of thousands of individuals, which helps protect it from predators. Its diet mainly consists of blue-green algae and small crustaceans, which it filters with its specialized beak. The Lesser Flamingo is a migratory bird, moving according to seasonal water level changes.
Recommended lens:
>=400mm
Photography tips:
To photograph the Lesser Flamingo, opt for early morning or late afternoon hours when the light is soft, enhancing the pink hues of its plumage. Use a telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture details without disturbing the bird. Be patient and wait for it to approach the shores for closer shots. Reflections in the water can add an artistic dimension to your photos. Consider using a tripod to stabilize your camera and avoid motion blur.
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