ExploreBirds

Chilean Flamingo

Phoenicopterus chilensis

Chilean Flamingos are beautiful pink birds that love to wade in shallow water. They have long legs and necks, and they often stand on one leg while resting!

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Chilean Flamingo has pale pink plumage, often lighter than its relatives, with brighter pink wing coverts. Its long legs are greyish-white with distinctive pink 'knees' and feet, and its bill is yellowish with a prominent black tip.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPhoenicopteriformesFamilyPhoenicopteridaeGenusPhoenicopterus
Chilean Flamingo
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Chilean Flamingo

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby flamingos are born grey and don't get their pink color until they eat special food!

Chilean Flamingos often gather in groups of thousands, forming giant pink parades!

Flamingos can sleep soundly while standing on one leg in the water!

Their nests are muddy mounds that look like small volcanoes!

Special abilities

Ability

Underwater Sieve

Chilean Flamingos can filter tiny food from water because their unique bill works like an upside-down sieve, collecting algae and small invertebrates.

Ability

Salty Survivor

Chilean Flamingos can thrive in extremely salty lakes because their bodies are adapted to process high salt levels, which few other animals can tolerate.

Ability

One-Legged Rest

Chilean Flamingos can stand on one leg for long periods that helps them conserve body heat and reduce muscle fatigue in cold, watery habitats.

Measurements & details

Length
100-130 cm
Wingspan
130-160 cm
Weight
2.5-3.5 kg
Lifespan
20-30 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
1
Incubation
27-31 days
Migration Distance
500 km

Diet & Feeding

They filter-feed on tiny algae, diatoms, and small invertebrates found in salty waters.

Age differences: Young chicks are fed 'crop milk' by parents before they can filter-feed themselves.

Primary Foods

  • Diatoms
  • Algae
  • Brine shrimp
  • Insect larvae

Foraging Method

  • Filter Feeding

Ecological connections

eaten by

Andean Fox

Lycalopex culpaeus

Preys on eggs, chicks, and sometimes adult flamingos.

eaten by

Brine Shrimp

Artemia salina

Primary food source, providing essential nutrients and pigments.

eaten by

Spirulina Algae

Spirulina platensis

Key food source contributing to their distinctive pink coloration.

eaten by

Andean Gull

Chroicocephalus serranus

Known to prey on flamingo eggs and young chicks.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch flamingos from a distance and don't try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Chilean Flamingo?

100-130 cm

What is Chilean Flamingo's wingspan?

130-160 cm

How much does Chilean Flamingo weigh?

2.5-3.5 kg

How long does Chilean Flamingo live?

20-30 years

How fast can Chilean Flamingo move?

60 km/h

What does Chilean Flamingo eat?

They filter-feed on tiny algae, diatoms, and small invertebrates found in salty waters.

Where is Chilean Flamingo usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Chilean Flamingo hunt?

Filter Feeding

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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