Greater flamingos in flight (Phoenicopterus roseus).

The greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) is a bird of the Phoenicopteridae family, living in the wetlands of Africa, southern Europe, and southwest Asia, where large flocks of flamingos can be seen flying in the skies.

This species is the largest of the flamingos. It can reach up to 150 cm in height and has a wingspan of up to 2 meters, allowing it to travel long distances with ease. Its characteristic pink plumage, which it acquires in adulthood, is due to the carotenoids present in its diet, which consists mainly of crustaceans and algae. The intensity of its coloring directly depends on the quality and composition of its food.

They are highly social birds that nest in colonies and move in large flocks in search of feeding grounds, mainly large bodies of water. It is common to see them in flight at dawn when they take advantage of the cool temperatures to conserve energy and reduce the risk of predators. The sight of a flock of flamingos at dawn, with their elegant silhouette against the sky, is an unforgettable spectacle.

It is an emblematic species of wetlands in Spain, such as Doñana and the lagoons of Fuente de Piedra. Currently, the greater flamingos conservation faces challenges such as habitat loss (due to pollution and climate change). However, protection initiatives, such as the designation of protected areas and the restoration of wetlands, have favored its recovery in several regions. Environmental education and the regulation of human activities in these areas are key to ensuring its long-term survival.

This illustration was made as a personal project, to practice color composition, feather illustration, and different poses of birds in flight.

Year: 2021
Technique: Digital illustration.
Illustration type: Naturalistic.
Type of project/Client: Personal.