Chilean Flamingo

Chilean Flamingo



COMMON NAME: Chilean flamingo
KINGDOM: Animalia
PHYLUM: Chordata
ORDER: Ciconiiformes
FAMILY: Phoenicopteridae
GENUS SPECIES: Phoenicopterus (crimson red winged) ruber (red) chilensis (of Chile)


DESCRIPTION: The Chilean flamingo is a tall, large bodied bird with a long neck and small head. Most flamingos, including this species, have pale pink plumage and bills. This subspecies of flamingo is slightly smaller than the Caribbean flamingo and has gray legs with pink bands at the joints.
SIZE: Approximately 80-145 cm (31-57 in) long
FEMALE Females tend to be smaller than males
WEIGHT: Approximately 1.9-3 kg (4.2-6.6 lbs)
DIET: Includes algae, diatoms, aquatic invertebrates such as crustaceans and mollusks
INCUBATION: 26-31 days
CLUTCH SIZE Usually 1 large egg
FLEDGING DURATION Approximately 11 weeks
SEXUAL MATURITY: Approximately 6 years
LIFE SPAN: In the wild, up to 50 years
RANGE: South America, from Chile to Argentina
HABITAT: Inhabits tropical and warm climates, both along the coast and at high altitudes
POPULATION: GLOBAL 200,000 or fewer individuals
STATUS: IUCN Not listed
CITES Appendix II
USFWS Lower risk/ Near threatened


1. In many languages, the word flamingo (originally derived from the Portuguese language meaning 'red goose') is a reference to their flying style formation and the noise they make.
2. All flamingos feed with their bills upside-down. They tip their head into the water and filter feed, using special hair like adaptations in the top half oftheir bill, to gather the microorganisms that make up their diet.
5. Both the male and female make the nests by scooping mud together with their feet and bill.
6. Both male and female adults, provide their young with a type of milk called crop milk.
7. Like other South American flamingos, these birds are able to endure cold temperatures.
8. For more information about flamingos, explore the Flamingo InfoBook.



Their mostly alkaline diet does not fit the needs of other animals. By eating the smallest of organisms, they not only keep watering holes productive, they also help circulate the waters by turning over the mud and silt on the bottom of rivers, streams, and ponds.

Their uses to man are unfortunately the flamingo's greatest problem. In the past, their tongues were a rare, pickled delicacy and their plumage was sometimes sought for its vibrant color. However, as with most animals, habitat destruction and exploitation is by far the flamingo's greatest challenge.



Harrison, C.J.O. and Perrins, C. Birds: Their Life, Their Ways, Their World. Reader's Digest Association, Inc., New York. 1987.


SeaWorld Education Department Publication. Flamingos. Sea World, Inc. 1994.