The Greater Flamingoes at Martin Mere all come from southern Europe. They are the largest of all the six Flamingo species and are pink mostly on the wing.

They achieve their stunning pink feathers from pigments known as Carotenoids. These pigments are absorbed by the birds and converted to their pink colouration. In the wild Flamingoes live in large colonies in water rich in salts. They have long legs which are useful for wading in deep water. Flamingoes can often be seen standing on one leg, this enables the bird to rest or warm the other.