KUWAIT CITY, Jan 12: Deputy Director General of the Environment Public Authority (EPA) Dr Abdullah Al-Zaidan said a large number of flamingos are usually seen on the beaches of Kuwait, specifically Sulaibikhat Bay and the Jahra coast, during winter, reports Al-Anba daily. Al-Zaidan told the daily that the greater flamingo is the largest flamingo species as its height reaches 150 cm and weighs up to four kilograms; indicating it lives in Africa, Asia and the southern part of Europe.

He added the flamingo is considered a migratory bird that passes through Kuwait, which is a sanctuary for many land and sea migratory birds. Flamingos are seen in Kuwait throughout the year, but their appearance is more common during winter. They reach Kuwait through autumn migration; living in fl ocks of up to 3,000 birds. Factors threatening their existence include overfishing, neglected nets and marine pollution, he concluded.