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Andean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus Andinus)

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Andean Flamingo

Appearance: - The Andean Flamingo has a pale pink plumage with darker pink upperparts, neck, breast, wing coverts, and black primary flight feathers. They are distinguished from other species of Flamingo by having a pale yellow beak with extensive black tip, and are the only species to have yellow legs and webbed feet. The eyes are dark red-brown. Both sexes are alike but the male is slightly larger.

Size: - Typical Adult is 102-110cm (40-43in).

Food: - Mainly algae, and diatoms. Flamingos feed by putting their large beak upside down in the water and use their tongue and beak to suck in and filter food from the mud and water.

Habitat/Range: - High mountain lakes and lagoons in the Andes of southern Peru, Bolivia, north Chile, and north-west Argentina.

Andean Flamingo Map
Breeding Habitat/Resident,    Migration or Winter Area.



Breeding Season: - December to February.

Eggs: - 1 (chalky-white colour).

Notes: - The Andean Flamingo is closely related to the James's Flamingo. Both species have a pale yellow beak but the James's Flamingo is smaller and has red legs. The Andean Flamingo is classified as 'vulnerable' due to loss of habitat. The Flamingos characteristic pink colouring is caused by the beta carotene in their diet.

Conservation status (IUCN 3.1):
  Vulnerable.  

Classification: - Family: Phoenicopteridae,
Genus: Phoenicopterus.

Andean Flamingo video:


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Andean Flamingo
Andean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus Andinus)





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