Chilean flamingo
Phoenicopterus chilensis
Flamingos are an ancient group of birds. Their fossil records date back to more than 10 million years ago.
Like all flamingos, the Chilean flamingo has striking pink plumage with crimson feathers along the edge of the wings. However, flamingos are not born with stunning colour. Their colour comes from carotenoid pigments which they consume as part of their diet.
Flamingos feed with their beak upside down. They tip their head into the water and filter feed, using special hair like adaptations. Which allow them to catch the small microorganisms that make up their diet.
The Chilean flamingo originates from central Peru, Bolivia, Argentine and Chile. The word flamingo originates from the Portuguese language and means ‘red goose’. The average Chilean flamingo can be up to 145 centimetres long and weigh up to three kilograms.
Belfast Zoo’s flock of Chilean flamingos live at the zoo lake!
IUCN Status
The IUCN status of the Chilean flamingo is near threatened.
For more info on classifications visit www.iucnredlist.org (link opens in new window).
Fun fact
Flamingos’ pink plumage come from their diet!
Animal class
Bird
Conservation status
The IUCN considers the Chilean flamingo is likely to be threatened with extinction in the near future. It is listed in Appendix II by CITES.
Habitat
Wetlands/marsh
Population
In the last 40 years the population of the Chilean flamingo has dropped from 500,000 to 200,000, in the wild.
Diet
Omnivore. The Chilean flamingo eats algae as well as aquatic invertebrates, such as molluscs and crustaceans.