Greater flamingos (Phœnicopterus roseus) breed in large colonies of up to 200,000 individuals that nest close to each other. Reproduction takes place in spring after the courtship display, which begins at the end of November in Camargue, the formation of pairs, and the joint construction of the nest. The female lays a single 3.5 in (9 cm) long by 2.3 in (6 cm) wide chalky white egg weighing 4.9 oz (140 g). The two partners brood for 29 days in taking every two days turns. The laying is simultaneous within the colony that is highly sensitive to the slightest disturbance and to the climatic conditions, the longevity of the flamingos allowing them to refrain from reproducing when the circumstances are not optimal.