December bird of the month: Greater Flamingo
The Greater Flamingo is without a doubt one of the most recognised species at WWT Martin Mere!
Each month we shine a light on a different resident species within our Living Collection.
Our iconic pink birds, the Greater Flamingos, are our bird of the month for December!
These birds are one of the first species that you can spot when you visit WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, as you exit our gift shop into our Living Collection.
Where do Greater Flamingos originate from?
The Greater Flamingo's range spans Southern Europe, Central Asia, North West India, Southern Africa.
Where do Greater Flamingos breed?
Greater Flamingos usually breed on muddy substrates. They make impressive nests constructed out of mud. These are elevated above ground level to prevent flooding, and are made by the flamingo by using their bills to bring mud towards their feet and shaping the mound.
Do Greater Flamingos have a special ‘dance’ during breeding season?
Yes, flamingos will put on a fantastic display over the breeding season as they look to attract mates. A flock of flamingos will perform courtship rituals, which involves synchronised head flagging and wing salutes.
How many species of flamingos are there?
There are six species of flamingos in the world, with the Greater Flamingos being the largest and most widespread out of the species, standing up to 1.5m tall.
At WWT Martin Mere, there are two species that visitors can see. These are the Greater Flamingos and Chilean Flamingos.
Why are flamingos pink?
This is one of the most common questions we get asked about our flamingos!
Flamingos are pink because of a carotenoid pigment in their diet of algae and small crustaceans like shrimp. As a flamingo eats these foods, it breaks down the pigments, which are then deposited into its feathers and skin, turning the bird into its iconic pink colour.
This is why when flamingos hatch, they aren’t born with the pink colour. Instead, they have a grey fluffy down and develop their pink colours in their first two to three years. You can usually tell which are the parents as they are paler in colour due to feeding their young.
Our flamingo’s have special food to replicate the wild diet to ensure they remain lovely and pink!
Where to see the Greater Flamingos
If you exit right out of Martin Mere’s gift shop and into the Living Collections, you will see the Greater Flamingos straight ahead. During the winter, they are inside their Flamingo House. But in the spring and summer they can be seen around the lake.
