Common name: Greater Flamingo
Scientific name: Phoenicopterus roseus
Family: Phoenicopteridae

Size:
Body length: 120–150 cm
Wingspan: 140–170 cm
Weight: 2–4 kg

Identification:
A tall, elegant wading bird with very long legs and a long, curved neck. Plumage is pale pink to whitish, with deeper pink tones on the wings and bright red wing coverts visible in flight. The bill is large and downcurved, pink at the base with a black tip. Legs are long and pink. In flight, it shows striking black flight feathers contrasting with pink wings.

Habitat:
Shallow coastal lagoons, salt pans, mudflats, estuaries, and saline lakes. Prefers open, shallow waters rich in food.

Status in the UAE:
Common winter visitor and local resident. Large flocks are regularly seen in coastal wetlands.

Diet:
Filter feeder — feeds on algae, small crustaceans, plankton, and other microscopic organisms using its specialized bill.

Behavior:
Often seen in large flocks. Feeds by lowering its head upside down in water and filtering food. Social and highly synchronized in movement. Famous for standing on one leg and for its graceful flight in lines or flocks.

Conservation status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)