Edavanakad: A rare avian species is seen during this season at Thamaravattom near Vypin in Kochi where migratory birds can be spotted in large numbers. Greater Flamingo, which is the largest species of the flamingo family, has been spotted at the fields here.
Birdwatchers say rarely does the migratory bird, which is also called ‘Araya Kokku’ or ‘Poonara’, flies to Kerala. Its legs are almost 1 meter long, with long neck and whitish pink plumage.
The beautiful pink feathers indeed are one of the most attractive features of Greater Flamingo. The tip of the bill is black in colour which adds a perfect contrast to the pink. This species is mostly seen in Africa, South East Asia and Europe. It would generally migrate in flocks of at least 100 birds. It can even cover up to 500 km a day.
The bird usually stays in puddles or swamps looking for small fishes, clams, prawns or insects to eat. The picture of this rare bird was captured by bird watcher and wildlife photographer Romy Maliackal, a resident of Edavanakad.
