134. Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)

Greater Flamingos are found in isolated but large breeding colonies around parts of the Mediterranean; they can disperse more widely in winter but generally not by great distances. Their preferred habitat is shallow saline or brackish water with lots of mud, such as lagoons, estuaries, lakes and saltpans. The juvenile is slightly smaller with dull brown plumage. In flight flamingos hold their necks and legs out straight, and the red on their forewings is often conspicuous. Male Greater Flamingos are slightly larger than female, and often have stronger pink-red colouration.

Greater Flamingo, ©Agustín Povedano, via Flickr Creative Commons.

Greater Flamingo painting.

I couldn't get the pink of the bill as bright and garish as I wanted, and the shape of the body is not great - too big and clunky!