The Chilean Flamingo has a light pink plumage, and stands at an average three and half feet tall. Flamingos feed with their head upside down with their beaks tipped – they have an inherent comb-like filter system in their beak that allows them to catch the microorganisms that make up an important part of their diet.
IUCN Listing: Near Threatened
At a risk of becoming extinct in the wild
Fact File
Native Range
Central Peru, Boliva, Chile and Argentina
Natural Habitat
Mudflats, estuaries, lagoons and salt lakes
Diet
Aquatic insects, molluscs and algae
Life Expectancy
In the wild: 40 – 50 years
In zoos: Up to 50 years
Breeding
Incubation period:
26 – 32 days. 1 egg.
Group Name
Flamboyance
Active Hours
During the day
Threats
Loss of habitat, hunting, egg collecting
Fun Fact
The word ‘flamingo’ comes from the latin and Spanish word for ‘flame coloured’ referring to the flamingo’s bright pink feathers.