Picking up from where we left off, we will be looking at the distinct difference between lesser and greater flamingoes and the threats they face. Let’s get right into it. (for more information on flamingoes and other species please refer to the previous blog post)
Lesser flamingo - a species of flamingo occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. These flamingos are the smallest species of flamingo, though they are tall and large birds by most standards. Most of the plumage is pinkish white. The clearest difference between this species and the greater flamingo, is the much more extensive black on the bill. Size is less helpful unless the species are together, since the sexes of each species also differ in height. Lesser flamingos have different eating patterns. Their main diet is microscopic algae that floats in the water. For this reason, lesser flamingos can be seen grazing between 13 to 24 hours in a day. The algae also contributes to the pink plumage of the lesser flamingo. They too can survive to be as old as 40 years old in the wild. The lesser flamingo may be the most numerous species of flamingo, with a population that (at its peak) probably numbers up to two million individual birds. Lesser flamingos are prey to a variety of species, including marabou storks, baboons, African fish eagles, wildcats, and African golden wolves.
Greater flamingo - is the largest species of flamingo, Most of the plumage is pinkish white, but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a restricted black tip, and the legs are entirely pink. The call is a goose-like honking.
Distribution
The lesser flamingo is primarily an African species. Populations are found in eastern, southwestern, and western Africa. In addition, a sizable population nests in India. Stragglers can be found as far north as southern Spain.
The greater flamingo has the most widespread distribution of all flamingo species. Populations are found in northwest India, the Middle East, the western Mediterranean, and Africa. Limited numbers of this species can be found over much of northern Europe and eastward to Siberia.
When conditions are right, some of the lakes in East Africa’s Great Rift Valley turn pink.
Millions of lesser flamingos and some greater flamingoes gather in saline and semisaline lakes such as Bogoria and Naivasha in Kenya and Natron in Tanzania. They arrive with two main items on their agenda: to consume blue-green algae and to breed.
The presence of volcanic minerals in the lakes creates the right kind of salinity for blue-green algae to bloom and nourish the leggy birds, and it's the red-orange pigment hidden in the algae that infuses their feathers with pink.
Migration
Flamingos are generally non-migratory birds. However, due to changes in the climate and water levels in their breeding areas, flamingo colonies are not always permanent.
Populations that breed in high-altitude lakes, which may freeze over in the winter, move to warmer areas.
When water levels rise, birds may search for more favorable sites.
Drought conditions may force some flamingo populations to relocate.
Most flamingos that migrate will return to their native colony to breed. However, some may join a neighboring colony.
When flamingos migrate, they do so mainly at night. They prefer to fly with a cloudless sky and favorable tailwinds. They can travel approximately 600 km (373 miles) in one night at about 50 to 60 kph (31-37 mph). When traveling during the day, the flamingos fly at high altitudes, possibly to avoid predation by eagles.
The movements of the greater flamingo population living in Carmarque in southern France have been closely monitored since 1977.
Most flamingos that leave the colony go either southwest to winter in Spain, or southeast to winter in Tunisia and Turkey.
The percentage of birds that travel east or west seems to depend on the direction of the prevailing winds in the birds' first autumn.
Threats
The primary threats to flamingos are habitat loss, bacteria, toxins and pollution from manufacturing companies. Spread of diseases is a major threat due to flamingos living in such large colonies. Changes in climate can affect the natural habitats of flamingos, as droughts dry up their habitats. Their desire to mate is lessened by temperature extremes. Poaching is also a threat to flamingos, as the birds are killed for their decorative feathers and eggs. Their tongues are harvested for meat.
Flamingos are also common victims of the animal entertainment industry. Removed from their natural habitat, denied the ability to engage in their instinctual behaviors, flamingos are placed on display at zoos, hotels and other businesses for the amusement of humans. Even under the best of circumstances, captivity is cruel for wild animals. Confined to tiny areas and gawked at by crowds, animals in exhibits and acts endure constant stress. They may suffer from temperature extremes and irregular feeding and watering. Without exercise, they become listless, their immune systems are weakened, and they become prone to sickness; many resort to self-mutilation in reaction to stress or boredom. Mental illness is rampant among confined animals.
Watch the flamingo dance by following the link below.
コメント