Flamingo

Phoenicopterus roseus

✓What to do NOW

1PROTECT YOUR EYES — the curved beak is powerful
2Approach from behind, cover the head with a cloth
3Hold the wings against the body and restrain the long legs
4Large transport crate — the legs are fragile and must not be bent
5Contact a coastal CRAS or one specialised in large waterbirds
6Report to Carabinieri Forestali (1515) — rare sighting, important for monitoring

✗NEVER do this

✗Do not grab by the legs — they break easily
✗Do not put in containers with the neck bent
✗Do not feed
✗Do not attempt without eye protection

⚠ Important note

The greater flamingo is present in Italy mainly in Sardinia (Cagliari, Oristano), the Po Delta, and some coastal lagoons. Juveniles (grey-white, without pink coloration) are found exhausted or disoriented in autumn after dispersal flights. The main cause of death is collision with power cables and man-made structures. Every individual found has scientific value — note any coloured rings on the legs.

⚖ Legal protection

Protected by the Birds Directive (Annex I) and Law 157/1992. Species of Community interest.

Also known as

greater flamingopink flamingocommon flamingo

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