Phoenicopterus chilensis

(Molina, 1782)

Vernacular names
English : Chilean flamingo
French : Flamant du Chili

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Phoenicopteriformes
Family : Phoenicopteridae
Notes : No subspecies known

Identification
Smallest flamingo, reaching a length of 90 cm for a weight of 2 kg. Easily recognizable by its orange eyes and dark reddish-brown long bill. Bright red legs, plumage pink with brighter elongated feathers on back. Unmistakable.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South America, from western-central Ecuador, south to most of Argentina and Chile, east to extreme south Brazil and Uruguay. Lives in coastal lagoons, mudflats and estuaries, saline lakes.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is still locally common when undisturbed (commonest flamingo in South America). Threatened by habitat loss and egg harvesting.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America

Observation
Jurong Bird Park (Singapore), Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes (France)

 

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