
The beautiful Kenya flamingo birds
For birders in Kenya, they can’t miss out on the flamingo birds that are found in the famous Lake Nakuru, and Kenya is the only destination with the best or the highest number of flamingo birds. Tourists from all over the globe go to Kenya’s soda lakes to witness the brilliant spectacle of shimmering pink birds wading in the shallow water. Sadly, the number of flamingos has been declining in recent years, maybe owing to over tourism, pollution from large-scale agriculture, or climate change. Flamingos move to various lakes each year due to seasonal circumstances, floods, and changes in water quality that reduce their food source. On a Kenya adventure safari, we’ll look at the finest spots in Kenya to observe these amazing birds on our today’s destination.
Given that the flamingos were deposited and hatched in Tanzania’s Lake Natron, calling them Kenyan could be a stretch. They do, however, spend most of their adult lives on one of Kenya’s few soda lakes; therefore, dual citizenship is a possibility. Flamingos are among Kenya’s most magnificent birds and fauna. Their natural beauty and manner of life attract visitors and nature enthusiasts from all over the world each year. Some of the good facts that you need to know about the beautiful birds of flamingo include the following: Please appreciate these attraction levels.
Flamingoes in Kenya have only two categories; There are only two types of flamingoes found in Kenya, despite the fact that there are four types of flamingoes worldwide. The lesser and larger or greater flamingos are the two categories of flamingos. Physical appearance is one of the major variations between these two species. True to its name, the greater flamingo is larger and taller than the lesser flamingo. The smaller flamingos, on the other hand, have darker pink feathers and a deep crimson beak with a black tip. The beaks of larger flamingos are pink with a black tip.
The beaks of greater flamingos are pale pink in color with a black tip. Greater flamingos consume crustaceans and other creatures found in the mud, but the lesser flamingo feeds on algae floating in the alkaline lake waters. Both species dwell in flocks of ten to ten thousand individuals and share the same environment. Flamingos are known for standing on one leg, and while there is no definitive scientific rationale for this, it has been suggested that this habit aids in body temperature retention. Flamingos, like penguins, have lifelong partners, and the bulk of them reproduce in Tanzania’s Lake Natron, a secluded soda lake. Then they travel to Kenya to feed on the Rift Valley’s alkaline waters.
The food or diet of the Kenyan flamingoes; Greater flamingo birds in Kenya consume crustaceans and other creatures found in the mud, but the lesser flamingo feeds on floating algae in the soda lake waters. The coloration of both flamingos is assumed to come from their prey.
The life and behavior of flamingoes in Kenya; The two categories of flamingo birds in Kenya are fascinating birds with a high level of intelligence. They dwell in flocks ranging in size from 10 to ten thousand individuals. Although there is no conclusive scientific evidence, some flamingos have been observed standing on one leg, and it has been suggested that this behavior aids with body temperature retention. To avoid being seen by predators such as eagles, flamingos fly at night. They also take unusual forms while flying in bunches.
In terms of the reproduction style or system of flamingoes in Kenya, Flamingos, like penguins, are monogamous birds who stay with the same mate throughout their lives. In addition, they only lay one egg at a time. Flamingos only reproduce every three years or so. Flamingos make their nests mostly out of mud collected from their surroundings, with the addition of stones and grass straws on occasion. With either parent in charge of incubation, the eggs take between 21 and 38 days to hatch. Flamingos procreate the most when there is enough food available; otherwise, they stay abstinent. When the majority of the flock flies to the mating grounds, non-breeding flamingos may stay behind. Kenyan flamingos call Lake Natron their home.
About the flamingo predators: Flamingo birds in Kenya have no natural predators, hence there aren’t any. The chicks, however, are frequently taken by storks, eagles, and frogs that live in the same environment. Flamingos at Lake Bogoria die from venturing into the hot springs on occasion. The corpses are subsequently eaten by scavengers such as hyenas, crows, and vultures.
The Kenyan Flamingo Chicks: In both species, chicks are born pristine white with straight beaks that curl with age. For the first three months, milk produced by both parents’ upper digestive tracts is provided to the chicks. They can be fed by other members of the colony. Flamingo chicks have caregivers who guide them to the water for the first time when they are ready. This is a walking excursion. The distance between the nests and the water can be up to 30 km.
Challenges faced by flamingoes; The challenges faced by flamingoes include increased dilution of water during rainy seasons, water pollution from industrial operations, and lower algae levels, which are the flamingos’ major food sources. These are all difficulties facing flamingos in Kenya. The sudden decrease of flamingos has been attributed to pollution of Lake Nakuru, which has raised water levels and reduced algae.
The Kenyan flamingo habitat: In Kenya, there are both greater and smaller flamingos. Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria, Lake Magadi, Lake Turkana, Lake Elementaita, and the lesser-known Lake Logipi are all alkaline lakes where they may be found. Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, can be found in these lakes, and visitors are often led to these lakes to have a look at these flamingo birds.
How long do flamingoes live; In the wild, flamingos have a life expectancy of 20 to 40 years. Those kept in captivity, on the other hand, have been known to survive up to 60 years. Flamingos can begin mating at the age of three, but most do not begin until they are five years old.
When to See Flamingoes in Kenya
The flamingo birds in Kenya can be best seen during the dry season, especially from June to the beginning of March. We will assist you in locating the best time to go and see these wonderful flamingo birds through our expert tours and travel consultants who will design for you the special and wonderful itineraries for sole and family tours to take you to the best places (lakes) in Kenya where the flamingo birds are clearly found.