Lesser Flamingo

Phoenicopterus minor

Beak

—

Feet

—

Crest

No crest

Breeds in Gujarat; widespread in Indian and Pakistan plains in non-breeding season. Smaller than Greater; neck and legs appears shorter, and bill is smaller and more prominently kinked. Adult from adult Greater by black-tipped dark red bill (which can appear all dark) and dark red facial skin. coloration of head. neck and body is deeper rose-pink than Greater. although can be as white as Greater. Also shows more restricted area of darker pink on upperwing than Greater. although extent _,. of pink variable in both species. Immature and juvenile similar to Greater. although bill is darker in Lesser. Walks or swims while sweeping head and neck to and fro, sieving micro-organisms; in very shallow water feeds like Greater. Salt and brackish lagoons and saltpans.