Greater Flamingo

The greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus, Say it: fee-knee-CAWP-TUHR-us row-ZEUS) is instantly recognisable by its long, thin neck and legs, colourful plumage and distinctive downward-bending beak. As well as being the largest of the flamingo species, it is also the palest, with white to pale pink plumage, contrasting red shoulders, and black tips to the wings. The legs are pink, the eyes yellow, and the beak is pale pink, with a black tip. The female is smaller than the male, and juveniles are grey-brown with some pink in the underparts, wings and tail, and the legs and beak are mainly brown. The call is a goose-like, honking ka-haunk.