Greater flamingos in the Camargue

The last breeding grounds for greater flamingos are in the Camargue in the south of France. The breeding colony houses up to 45,000 individuals. This makes it the largest breeding site for this endangered bird species in Europe.

We also saw the birds in the Parc Ornithologique north of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, where they live freely. When there is no wind, impressive reflections of the birds can be seen in the water and as the sunset approaches, you can see them flying past the sun.

In the entire area around Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer you can observe and photograph individual specimens as well as larger groups of the colorful birds. Actually, you just have to take some time to see them in the many water bodies of the Camargue. The courtship dances of the “young boys” are particularly impressive. The heads move back and forth jaggedly while simultaneously producing an unmistakable song.