Chilean Flamingo
Phoenicopterus chilensis
The Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) is a uncommon flamingo found in 21 countries, weighing about 2.3 kg. The Chilean flamingo is a species of large flamingo at a height of 110–130 cm (43–51 in) closely related to the American flamingo and the greater flamingo, with which it was previously considered a subspecies before being classified as its own species as a result of their lighter color, smaller size and behavioral differences.
About the Chilean Flamingo
The Chilean flamingo is a species of large flamingo at a height of 110–130 cm (43–51 in) closely related to the American flamingo and the greater flamingo, with which it was previously considered a subspecies before being classified as its own species as a result of their lighter color, smaller size and behavioral differences. The species is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The Chilean flamingo's plumage is pinker than the slightly larger greater flamingo, but less so than the American flamingo. It can be differentiated from these species by its grayish legs with pink joints, by the larger amount of black on the bill (more than half), and also by being a foot shorter than the American flamingo. Young chicks may have no sign of pink coloring whatsoever, but instead remain gray or peach. Young chicks will slowly gain their pink color as pigments called carotenoids from their diet accumulate in their feathers.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States, Sweden, United Kingdom, Norway, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland.
When to see it
The Chilean Flamingo can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Chilean Flamingo?
- The Chilean flamingo's plumage is pinker than the slightly larger greater flamingo, but less so than the American flamingo. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Chilean Flamingo?
- The Chilean Flamingo is a huge sized bird weighing about 2.3 kg.
- Where can you see a Chilean Flamingo?
- The Chilean Flamingo occurs in 21 countries, including Argentina, Chile, Peru, Bolivia and Uruguay.
- What birds look similar to a Chilean Flamingo?
- The Chilean Flamingo is most easily confused with the American Flamingo and the Greater Flamingo.
- Is the Chilean Flamingo endangered?
- The Chilean Flamingo is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Chilean Flamingo for real
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