Andean Flamingo
Phoenicoparrus andinus
The Andean Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus) is a rare flamingo found in 6 countries, weighing about 4.9 kg. The Andean flamingo is a species of flamingo native to the Andes mountains of South America.
About the Andean Flamingo
The Andean flamingo is a species of flamingo native to the Andes mountains of South America. Until 2014, it was classified in genus Phoenicopterus. It is closely related to James's flamingo, and the two make up the genus Phoenicoparrus. The Chilean flamingo, Andean flamingo, and James' flamingo are all sympatric, and all live in colonies.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
It is distinguished from other flamingos by its deeper lower mandible and the very long filtering filaments on the maxilla. It is the largest flamingo in the Andes and is one of the two heaviest living flamingos alongside the taller greater flamingo. Reportedly body mass of the Andean flamingo has ranged from 1.5 to 4.9 kg (3.3 to 10.8 lb), height from 1 to 1.4 m (3 ft 3 in to 4 ft 7 in) and wingspan from 1.4 to 1.6 m (4 ft 7 in to 5 ft 3 in). The flamingo has a pale pink body with brighter upperparts, deep vinaceous-pink lower neck, breast, and wing coverts. Voice: Very poorly known; the available recordings fall into three distinct call types, but specific information on function lacking. Peep: a surprisingly high-pitched (c 2 kHz), short (c 0.1–0.2 s), clear note that sounds rather Passerine-like. Most often given in a quick series that slightly descends, but sometimes also singly.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Uruguay.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, July, August, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in November. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify an Andean Flamingo?
- It is distinguished from other flamingos by its deeper lower mandible and the very long filtering filaments on the maxilla. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is an Andean Flamingo?
- The Andean Flamingo is a huge sized bird weighing about 4.9 kg.
- Where can you see an Andean Flamingo?
- The Andean Flamingo occurs in 6 countries, including Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru and Brazil.
- What birds look similar to an Andean Flamingo?
- The Andean Flamingo is most easily confused with the James's Flamingo.
- Is the Andean Flamingo endangered?
- The Andean Flamingo is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Andean Flamingo for real
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