Lesser Flamingo - status in Spain ? (1 Viewer)

Just out of interest - does anyone know the agreed status of Lesser Flamingo in Spain or anywhere else in Europe come to that.

I've got photographs of un-ringed individuals in Cordaba province and have always just assumed them to be escapees that have tagged up with the breeding population of Greater Flamingo.

Cheers
Robin

Lesser Flamingo now turn up annually (and have even bred) in Spain. Like several other African species (eg Ruppell's Vulture) initially it was generally assumed that they were all escapes. However, a realisation that a) they were a lot more regular than people supposed and b) "alien" species get mixed up with groups of regular trans-Saharan migrants and follow them north has meant that they are now more often thought of as genuine visitors. To get some idea of how regular they are look at the rare Birds in Spain webpage (easily googled), John

Actually I also meant to ask where in Cordoba province? Laguna de Fuente de Piedra (just over the border in Malaga province), where they bred, can't be too far away!

John

I saw one at Fuente de Piedra in March 2004.

When I was there this February there wasn't even any water to speak of.

This one was at Fuente de Piedra in April 2006 amongst the thosands of Greaters.

Thanks for the info

Regards
Robin