{"id":16686,"date":"2021-03-28T09:11:59","date_gmt":"2021-03-28T09:11:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wildvoyager.com\/blog\/?p=16686"},"modified":"2023-12-08T12:38:20","modified_gmt":"2023-12-08T12:38:20","slug":"where-to-see-flamingos-in-kenya","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wildvoyager.com\/dev\/blog\/where-to-see-flamingos-in-kenya\/","title":{"rendered":"Flamingos in Lake Nakuru National Park Kenya"},"content":{"rendered":"

Where to see flamingos in Kenya<\/h2>\n

Flamingos are spectacular birds, dressed in pink feathery coats. Although, there are only six species of flamingos remaining in the world. Yet, they can still be spotted easily by birders. These birds<\/a> are usually found near wet habitats as they are quite adaptable.  <\/span><\/p>\n

Flamingos are seen in the Caribbean, South America, the Middle East, and near the Mediterranean. However, one of the best spots to see the breathtaking sight of millions of flamingos is in Africa. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"FlamingosA flock of flamingoes near a river<\/em><\/p>\n

With their pretty pink plumage and long legs, flamingos thrive in Africa<\/a>. They flock in great numbers in various parts of the continent.  <\/span><\/p>\n

Since their movement is based upon different factors, one can’t expect to see flamingos at every corner of the lake or wetland. Nevertheless, you can still stumble upon flamingos considering the right place and the right time. <\/span><\/p>\n

Before we move on, it is important to know the species of flamingos found in Africa. There are two types of species in Africa: <\/span><\/p>\n

1. Lesser flamingo  <\/span><\/h3>\n

Lesser flamingos are the shortest out of the five species of flamingos. These birds have pink plumage, bills, and legs. In comparison to other species, Lesser flamingos appear to be brighter in color.  <\/span><\/p>\n

They have small heads, and long necks, and stand less than a meter tall. The female flamingos are shorter than the males. Lesser Flamingo can live up to 40 to 50 years in the wild.  <\/span><\/p>\n

\"FlamingoLesser Flamingo<\/em><\/p>\n

Their diet consists of a highly specialized menu entirely of benthic diatoms and microscopic blue-green algae. This is only found in alkaline lakes, saline lagoons, salt pans, and estuaries. To some extent, they may also feed on small aquatic invertebrates such as rotifers. <\/span><\/p>\n

Lesser flamingos are primarily found in Eastern and Southern Africa. The best spots to observe these birds are near the Rift Valley Lakes, Southern Namibia, and Botswana. They can also be seen in parts of Sudan and Ethiopia. <\/span><\/p>\n

2. Greater flamingo <\/span><\/h3>\n

The Greater flamingo is the largest out of all the species found. They appear to be pale pink, have a long, lean neck, and have pink bills with a black tip that has a downward curve. Greater flamingos have a majestic wingspan between 1.4 to 1.7 meters.  <\/span><\/p>\n

In the wild, Greater flamingos can live up to 30 to 40 years old. These birds favor warmer and watery regions. They reside near saline or alkaline lakes, and estuaries.  <\/span><\/p>\n

\"flamingosGreater Flamingo<\/em><\/p>\n

Their diet consists of crustaceans, mollusks, crabs, insects, worms, and occasionally small fishes. They also feed on shoots, grass seeds, decaying leaves, and algae, and even ingest mud to remove any organic matter it may contain. <\/span><\/p>\n

Greater flamingos are found in the continents of Africa Asia, Europe, and Oceania. <\/span><\/h3>\n

One way to differentiate between Lesser and Greater flamingos is through their bills. While Lesser flamingos have a darker bill, greater has that of a pink bill.<\/em><\/p>\n

The strikingly pretty plumage of the flamingoes is not hereditary or even in their DNA. They are initially born with a dull gray color. As they feed on algae and invertebrates, they slowly develop a reddish-pink shade.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"africaBaby Flamingo or Chick<\/em><\/p>\n

This is because algae and invertebrates have special coloring chemicals known as pigments. Thus, one can conclude that flamingos are precisely the expression,’ you are what you eat! <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/h3>\n

The Great Rift Valley <\/span><\/h3>\n

The Great Rift Valley<\/a> is one of the most famous highlights in Africa. It is part of the intra- continental ridge system that runs from north to south through Kenya. As Kenya is home to 64 lakes within the African continent, 8 of them are found in the Kenyan Rift Valley. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"lakeAn aerial view of the Rift Valley<\/em><\/p>\n

The Rift Valley is covered with exceptional lakes, scenic roads, and exotic wildlife. The picturesque freshwater lakes are some of the best places to find flamingos.  <\/span><\/p>\n

These are some of the famous spots to witness flamingos in Kenya: <\/span><\/p>\n

1. Lake Bogoria <\/span><\/h4>\n

Lake Bogoria is situated across the border of Kenya. It is famous for its steaming geysers and bubbling thermal springs. This is one of the best places to see millions of flamingos near the water.  <\/span><\/p>\n

\"flamingosFlamingoes in Lake Bogoria near a steaming geyser<\/em><\/p>\n

Lake Bogoria is home to the largest population of Lesser flamingos. Many of these birds have migrated from lake Nakuru to Bogoria. You can spot them year-round due to their massive numbers. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, the best time to witness the alkaline lake turn pink due to flamingos is from August to October.  <\/span><\/p>\n