Andean Flamingo

The Andean flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus) is a striking bird, native to the Andes mountains of South America. It is the largest flamingo in the Andes and one of the heaviest of its kind, comparable in weight to the greater flamingo. Adults can weigh between 1.5 to 4.9 kg, stand 1 to 1.4 meters tall, and boast a wingspan of 1.4 to 1.6 meters. This species is easily distinguished by its pale pink body with more vivid upperparts, a deep vinaceous-pink lower neck, breast, and wing coverts, and uniquely yellow legs and three-toed feet. Its bill is pale yellow near the skull, transitioning to black along most of its length, and curves downward.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Andean flamingo, look for the deeper lower mandible and the long filtering filaments on the maxilla. The yellow legs and feet are a clear distinguishing feature, as is the bill coloration with its pale yellow base and predominantly black length. In flight, the black primaries and secondaries form a bold black triangle against the pink plumage.

Habitat

The Andean flamingo inhabits the high-altitude wetlands of the Andes, ranging from southern Peru to northwestern Argentina and northern Chile.

Distribution

This species is migratory, capable of traveling up to 700 miles in a single day. They spend summers in salt lakes and migrate to lower wetlands in the winter. Breeding is concentrated in northern Chile, southwestern Bolivia, and northwestern Argentina, with some birds moving to lower elevation wetlands and lakes during the nonbreeding season.

Behaviour

Andean flamingos are social birds, living in colonies and sharing nesting areas with other flamingo species. They are known for their migratory patterns and the flexibility in their foraging behavior, adapting their feeding strategies when in mixed-species groups.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Andean flamingo are not well-documented, but they include a high-pitched 'peep', a nasal 'quack', and a quiet 'chuckle'. Each call serves a different communicative purpose within their social structure.

Breeding

Breeding occurs in select areas of northern Chile, southwestern Bolivia, and northwestern Argentina. The specifics of their breeding behavior remain less understood.

Similar Species

The Andean flamingo shares its habitat with the Chilean flamingo and James's flamingo. It can be differentiated by its yellow legs and the coloration of its bill.

Diet and Feeding

As filter feeders, Andean flamingos have a varied diet that includes fish, invertebrates, vascular plants, and microscopic algae. They forage in shallow salty waters, using their specialized bills to filter food from the water.

Conservation status

The Andean flamingo is classified as Vulnerable. Its populations are threatened by mining activities, human disturbance, and habitat changes. Conservation efforts are underway, including the establishment of protected areas and international agreements to safeguard their habitats and mitigate threats.