Area of zoo
Pink zone
Enclosure status
Open
Population in the wild
Increasing
IUCN status
Least Concern
Scientific name
Phoenicopterus roseus
Order
Phoenicopterifor mes
Type
Birds
Family
Phoenicopteridae
Region
Southern Europe, Central Asia, North West India, Southern Africa
Habitat
Shallow lakes, coastal lagoons and mudflats

What do greater flamingos look like?  

Famous for their pink feathers, the greater flamingo is also recognised by walking on its long two legs and using its extended neck to bob for food.

Greater flamingos in their habitat at London Zoo
Greater flamingos standing the water in their habitat at London Zoo

Greater flamingos facts  

  • Flamingos get their beautiful pink colour from the small animals that they eat.
  • In the Zoo we feed a specially prepared diet that keeps them pink.
  • Flamingos often stand on one leg. One reason is that it keeps the folded leg warm.

Greater flamingo habitat

Shallow lakes, coastal lagoons and mudflats.

Where do greater flamingos live?

Southern Europe, Central Asia, North West India, Southern Africa.

Why do greater flamingos stand on one leg? 

This stance is thought to keep the hidden leg warm among their feathers. On very hot days at London Zoo, visitors can often see the flamingos standing on both legs.

Where can I see a greater flamingo at London Zoo? 

You can find our greater flamingos in the Orange zone. 

See greater flamingos at London Zoo

A greater flamingo with a chick

Tickets

Book your ticket now to see greater flamingos at London Zoo

What do greater flamingos eat?  

Insects, shrimp-like animals and tiny plants.

What threats do greater flamingos face?  

The main threat is from people destroying their habitat, as they have few predators.

  • A pair of pelicans at London Zoo
    Pelecanus onocrotalus

    Eastern white pelican

    They use their large bills to scoop up fish and often fish in groups, stretched out in a line to surround a shoal of fish. 

  • Hyacinth macaw
    Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus

    Hyacinth macaw

    The largest parrot in the world, these birds have beaks strong enough to break metal and be heard up to 1km away.

  • Splendid sunbird perched on a flower
    Nectarinia coccinigaster

    Splendid sunbird

    Splendid sunbirds can hoover just like a hummingbird, to feed on nectar from flowers.

  • Humboldt penguin underwater swimming at London Zoo
    Spheniscus humboldti

    Humboldt Penguin

    Humbolt penguins are from the beaches of Peru and Chile, and can swim speeds of up to 30mph!

  • Ruppell's griffon vulture close up
    Gyps rueppelli

    Ruppell’s griffon vulture

    This vulture holds the record for the greatest flying height recorded for any bird.

  • Waldrapp ibis at London zoo
    Geronticus eremita

    Waldrapp ibis

    There are only around 250 of these birds left in the wild, spread thinly across many countries.

  • Book your Zoo tickets
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