Food and Feeding Ecology of Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus at Selected Sites of Haryana, India

The Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), a filter-feeding wader, is one of the two flamingo species found in India, with significant populations reported in Haryana wetlands. This study examines their feeding ecology, focusing on feeding behaviors, techniques, habitat use, and prey composition across different sites in Haryana from October 2019 to September 2020. Observations were conducted using binoculars, videography, and habitat sampling without invasive methods. Flamingos displayed diverse foraging techniques, including walk-feed, skimming, stamp-feed, grubbing, tip-feeding, stand-feed, and heron-like feeding, showcasing their adaptability to various water depths and habitats. Four different habitats were identified for foraging: shallow wetlands (69.35% of feeding instances), mudflats (17.22%), deep wetlands (7.04%), and agricultural fields (6.37%). The techniques varied across habitats, with walk-feed dominating in shallow wetlands and agricultural fields, skimming on mudflats, and grubbing in deep-water habitats. Food composition was analysed at Najafgarh Jheel, revealing 53 prey items comprising phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fishes. Chlorophyceae were the dominant phytoplankton’s group, while Rotifers and Cyprinidae dominated the zooplanktons and fish categories, respectively. The study highlights the critical role of water depth, habitat type, and prey availability in influencing flamingo foraging behavior and distribution. This research provides insights into the ecological requirements of Greater Flamingos, emphasizing the importance of wetland conservation for sustaining their populations and ensuring habitat diversity in Haryana.