The striking pink flamingos have returned to Cyprus, once again providing a unique sight at the island’s salt flats and lakes this year. Recent rainfall has helped raise water levels, creating more favorable conditions for these striking birds, which visit Cyprus during the winter months.
The Alpha News program and journalist Olga Konstantinou visited the Larnaca Salt Flats, where they captured footage of the flamingos in the wetland landscape.
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The flamingos, as they are scientifically known, have been following the same migratory routes as their ancestors for centuries. Their arrival in Cyprus is linked to rainfall, as the accumulation of sufficient water in the salt flats creates the necessary conditions for them to stay.
In the island’s wetlands, they find their food, mainly tiny shrimp and other aquatic organisms. In fact, the shrimp are one of the reasons why flamingos acquire their characteristic pink color, and their presence can also affect the hue of the water in the lakes.
The flamingos that visit Cyprus belong to the largest of the six species found worldwide. They remain on the island throughout the winter, usually until the end of February, provided conditions remain favorable, before continuing their journey to North Africa and the Middle East.
In recent years, the presence of flamingos in Cyprus has been affected by a series of environmental pressures. Drought, poor water quality, and large-scale development around wetlands, particularly in the Limassol area, have contributed to a decline in their numbers compared to previous years, when the birds arrived by the thousands.
This year, however, the picture appears to be more encouraging, with sightings fostering optimism regarding their presence in Cypriot wetlands.
Among the flamingos is Melani, the rare black flamingo that was spotted in the Limassol area. She is a female bird with unusual black plumage, which is the result of a genetic mutation. Her distinctive appearance makes her a unique case among flamingos.
