- Brine shrimp or Artemia: Small crustaceans found in saltwater lagoons and ponds.
- Adult brine shrimp: As brine shrimp grow larger, they become a significant part of the greater flamingo's diet.
- Blue-green algae: Particularly Spirulina, which plays a crucial role in imparting the reddish-pink hue to the flamingo's feathers and skin.
- Insects and insect larvae: Mosquito larvae, water beetles, and other small invertebrates are also commonly consumed.
- Mollusks: Small mollusks, such as snails, are sometimes included in their diet.
- Diatoms and other microscopic organisms: These organisms form a part of the flamingo's diet, especially in areas where brine shrimp and blue-green algae are scarce.
It's worth noting that greater flamingos are filter feeders, meaning they sieve their food through specialized plates in their beaks. Their unique beaks allow them to effectively capture and filter small food particles from the water or mud.
The diet of greater flamingos may vary depending on their habitat, availability of food sources, and competition with other filter-feeding animals in the area.