Greater flamingoes (Phoenicopterus ruber) feeding. The greater flamingo is a large wading bird that inhabits lakes and coastal waters in parts of Africa, Asia and South and Central America. It feeds by submerging its large bill in the water and filtering shrimp, plant matter and insects, often using its feet to stir up the sand. Its pink colour is due to pigments in the shrimp that make up a large part of its diet. Photographed at Walvis Bay Lagoon, Namibia.