"The classification of flamingos has baffled taxonomists for years"

flamingos

BASIC ASPECTS.

Tflamingos are long-legged, mostly pink birds. These waterfowl live in the wild in Africa, Asia, Europe, insular America, and South America. The number of species is still under debate. Most authorities recognize six species, all belonging to the family Phoenicopteridae. Some sources consider the Greater Flamingo and the Caribbean Flamingo separate species.

The largest species is the Greater Flamingo reaching 1.2 to 1.5 m (3 ft 11 in to 4 ft 11 in) in height and weighing up to 3.5 kg (7.7 lb). The smallest species is the Lesser Flamingo, standing 80 cm (2 ft 7.5 in) tall and weighing 2.5 kg (5.5 lb). Both species are found in the Old World, while the Caribbean Flamingo, Andean Flamingo, Chilean Flamingo, and James's Flamingo are found in the New World.

CLASSIFICATION.

Flamingos share characteristics in common with a number of groups of birds, and it is not clear to which group they are most closely related. They are normally placed in the Order Ciconiiformes, but recent trends have become increasingly accepted.

Everything points to the flamingos being placed in their own separate group, The Phoenicopteriformes.

Ciconiiformes (storks, herons and ibis)

  • Pelvis and ribs similar to storks

  • Composition of white eggs with proteins similar to herons

Anseriformes (ducks, geese and swans)

  • Behavior patterns, especially those of chickens, just like geese

  • Webbed feet and waterproof plumage similar to geese

  • Bile similar to that of ducks and geese acid ( Hagey, 1990 )

  • Three genera of feather lice in common with ducks ( Hopkins, 1942 )

Charadriiformes (waders or shorebirds and their allies)

  • Fossil records suggest flamingos arose from ancient shorebirds ( Feduction, 1976 )

Podicipediforms (greons)

Flamingo Species

HOW MANY SPECIES OF FLAMENCO EXIST?

PINK FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus)

KNOW +

CARIBBEAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus ruber)

KNOW +

CHILEAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus chilensis)

KNOW +

DWARF FLAMINGO (Phoeniconaias minor)

KNOW +

ANDEAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicoparrus andinus)

KNOW +

JAMES FLAMINGO (Phoenicoparrus jamesi)

KNOW +
«Pink Flamingo or Greater Flamingo»

Pink flamingo,

(Phoenicopterus roseus).

Ts the largest, palest, and most widespread of all the flamingo species. It is found in parts of Africa, Southwest Asia, South Asia, and southern Europe. It shares the genus Phoenicopterus with both the Caribbean flamingo and the Chilean flamingo, but is more closely related to the Caribbean flamingo. There is still debate as to whether these two types of flamingo are actually separate species or simply sub-species of Phoenicopterus ruber.
When considered a sub-species the scientific name for the flamingo is Phoenicopterus ruber roseus. It is distinguished from all other flamingos by its large size (averaging 110 to 150 cm) together with its pale plumage.

General:

  • The tallest of all.
  • Height: 110 – 150 cm (max. 187 cm)
  • Weight: 2.0 to 4.0 kg (max. 4.5 kg)
  • Pale plumage.
  • He has a rear toe.
  • Shallow Type Spike
  • Distribution: Africa, SW Asia and southern Europe.
  • IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC).
  • Their greatest threat is disturbance and the loss or alteration of their habitat.
  • Captive population: 3,888 specimens.

  • Order: Phoenicopteriformes
  • Family: Phoenicopteridae

  • Gender: Phoenicopterus

  • Species: Phoenicopterus roseus (Pallas, 1811)

Phoenicopterus ruber (Sibley and Monroe, 1990, 1993) has been divided into P. roseus and P. ruber following Knox et al. (2002), against SACC (2005).
Font: Bird Life ( Great File species of flamingos )

Great Flamingo: Pale almost white plumage. A long pink bill with a black tip less than half the total size of the bill. Pale yellow eyes and pink legs.
Similar species: caribbean flamingos they are a much brighter and more saturated pink color.dwarf flamingos, they are smaller with dark-colored bills and red eyes.
Font: Tour du Valat

According to BirdLife: This species has a wide range, with an estimated global extent of
100,000-1,000,000 km².

Font: Bird Life (Greater Flamingo Species Factsheet) and Johnson & Cezilly (2008)

Population estimate: Unquantified (probably 545,000 – 682,000)
Trend: Unquantified (probably stable)
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (BirdLife, 2008)
CMS list: Appendix II
CITES list: Appendix II

  • Disturbances at breeding colonies (eg, from tourists, low-flying aircraft, and especially off-road vehicles) can result in decreased reproductive success
  • Low water levels in areas surrounding nest sites; resulting in increased access, thus predation by terrestrial predators such as foxes and feral dogs)
  • Declining water levels in lakes can lead to hyper-salinity which can affect food resources
  • soda ash mining effluent
  • Pollution of wastewater and effluents of heavy metals from industries
  • Lead poisoning (ingestion of lead shot)
  • Collisions with fences and power lines
  • Diseases such as tuberculosis, avian botulism and septicemia
  • Harvest and egg harvesting can become a threat

According to International Species Information System (ISIS) (data downloaded 13 Oct 2008) 3,888 greater flamingos are recorded in captivity in 124 collections.
Between October 13, 2007 and October 13, 2008, 132 chicks were registered as hatched in captivity.
Font: International Species Information System (ISIS)

"Caribbean Flamingo"

Caribbean Flamingo,

(Phoenicopterus ruber).

The Caribbean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) is the most intensely pink of all flamingos and the only species that does not share any part of its range with other flamingo species.
Also known as American flamingo - it can be found on all the coasts of the Caribbean islands, and in some continental countries such as Mexico, Venezuela and Colombia, being able to observe flocks feeding from Florida (USA) even reaching Honduras (Anuar Romero 2022) and northern Brazil, occasionally (Murillo-Pacheco et al 2013; Bernardon B. 2014).
They have an insular and a continental distribution. It uses the surroundings of all the islands of both the Greater Antilles and the Lesser Antilles to feed, with specimens being observed from Florida, United States, to the north of Brazil and a continental distribution, in several countries with Caribbean coasts, such as Mexico, Colombia. Venezuela and occasionally Honduras and Brazil. There is a population in Ecuador, in the Pacific Ocean, (Galapagos) but it is genetically isolated from those in the Caribbean (Frías Soler 2014). However, it is important to know that all the individuals that are observed throughout its wide range of distribution are born only from five colonies of

reproduction that are those that currently exist in countries such as: Bahamas, Cuba, Venezuela, Bonaire and Mexico (Gálvez et al 2015; 2021). In the Dominican Republic a very small colony of nests was reported (Paulino MM, Mejía DA, Latta SC. 2010) but has not been subsequently confirmed.

It is distinguished from all other flamingos by its large size (almost as large as the great flamingo, averaging up to 140 cm) in combination with its brilliant orange-pink plumage.

General:

  • Height: 120 – 140cm (max. 187cm)

  • Weight: 2.2 to 2.8kg

  • Wingspan: c. 150cm

  • caribbean flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)

  • Intense pink plumage. Bill white and pink, black at the tip.

  • He has a rear toe.

  • Shallow Type Spike

  • Distribution: Caribbean, Mexico, South America and Galapagos

  • Estimated population: from 850,000 to 880,000 individuals

  • IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC).

  • Their greatest threat is disturbance and the loss or alteration of their habitat.

  • Captive population: 4,428 copies.

  • Order: Phoenicopteriformes

  • Family: Phoenicopteridae

  • Gender: Phoenicopterus

  • Species: Phoenicopterus ruber (Linnaeus, 1758)

Phoenicopterus ruber (Sibley and Monroe, 1990, 1993) has been divided into P. roseus and P. ruber following Knox et al. (2002), against SACC (2005).
Source: BirdLife (Caribbean Flamingo Species Factsheet)

Caribbean Flamingo: It is the second largest. Its plumage is intense pinkish-orange. The bill is pink and white with a black tip less than half the total size of the bill. Pale yellow eyes and pink legs.

Similar species: great flamingo on average they are somewhat larger, paler, and usually do not have white on their bill.
Font: The Animal Files (caribbean flamingo) and San Diego Zoo (Caribbean Flamingo Fact Sheet)

Estimated Range: (reproduction/residence): 330,000 km²
According to BirdLife: The Caribbean flamingo encompasses a wide range, with an estimated global extent of 330,000 km².
Font: Bird Life (Caribbean Flamingo Species Factsheet) and The Animal Files (caribbean flamingo)

Population estimate: 850,000 – 880,000 (2002 estimate)
Trend: without quantifying (probably decreasing)

  • 435 individuals in the Galapagos Islands (2001 estimate; Brueker and Vargas 1998, Delany and Scott 2002)

  • 60,000 in the Bahamas (c. 2000 estimate; Delany and Scott 2002)

  • 100,000 – 200,000 in Cuba (2000 and 1996, respectively, estimates, FSG 2000, Delany and Scott 2002)

  • 34,000 in Venezuela and Bonaire (1996 estimate; Delany and Scott 2002, Espinoza et al 2000)

  • 30,000 in the Yucatan Peninsula (Delany and Scott 2002)

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (BirdLife, 2008)
CMS list: Appendix II
CITES list: Appendix II

Threats affecting this species:

  • Habitat loss: Due to the construction of highways, the development of urbanization and construction of seaports, hotel infrastructures for the uncontrolled increase in tourism, increase in power lines, they occur in all countries with Caribbean coasts, but An already visible threat is the increase in the level of coastal surface waters, where this wading species lives, feeds and builds its nests.

  • Lead poisoning: Lead poisoning: the ingestion of lead shot near hunting grounds, which rise to the surface with hurricanes and storms that are becoming more frequent. About 100 flamingos were reported to have died in the Yucatan peninsula in 1989 from this cause.

  • Disturbance: Large numbers of tourists, birders, and photographers can disturb colonies enough to cause significant losses of eggs and hatchlings.

  • Excess collection by zoos: a problem predominantly from the past before the captive diet has been improving.

According to International Species Information System (ISIS) (data downloaded October 13, 2008) 4,428 Caribbean flamingos are recorded in captivity in 169 collections.
Between October 13, 2007 and October 13, 2008, 116 chicks were registered as hatched in captivity.
Font: International Species Information System (ISIS)

  • BirdLife. 2008. Caribbean Flamingo Species Factsheet.
  • International Species Information System (ISIS). ISIS Species Holdings..
  • San Diego Zoo. 2003 Caribbean Flamingo Facsheet.
  • The Animal Files. Caribbean Flamingo.
"Chilean Flamingo"

Chilean Flamingo,

(Phoenicopterus chilensis).

The Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) is the most widespread of the South American flamingos.
Although it shares parts of its range with the Andean and James's Flamingo, it is more closely related to the Caribbean and Greater Flamingo. Together, these three species form the genus Phoenicopterus.
It is distinguished from all other flamingos by its gray legs, with pinkish knees and feet. It is intermediate in size between the Andean Flamingo and the James's Flamingo.

General:

  • Height: 100cm

  • Gray legs with pink knees and feet.

  • He has a rear toe.
  • Shallow-type beak.
  • Distribution: South America (Chile)
  • Estimated population: 200,000 individuals
  • IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (NT)
  • Their biggest threats are mining, egg harvesting, and water extraction.
  • Captive population: 4,580. copies

  • Order: Phoenicopteriformes

  • Family: Phoenicopteridae

  • Gender: Phoenicopterus

  • Species: Phoenicopterus chilensis (Molina, 1782)

Chilean Flamingo: Medium sized flamingo. Pale pink body plumage with dark pink stripes. Almost half of the beak is black. Pale yellow eyes, gray legs with pink knees and feet.
Similar species: andean flamingos . they are larger, have a red spot near their eyes, yellow and black legs more visible on the primaries when standing. James Flamingos they are smaller, have a red spot near their eyes, orange legs, and a yellow and black bill.
Font: The Animal Files (caribbean flamingo) and San Diego Zoo (Caribbean Flamingo Fact Sheet

Estimated Range: (reproduction/residence): 330,000 km²
According to BirdLife: The Chilean flamingo breeds apparently erratically, irregularly, and in small numbers in central Peru. Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, and perhaps erratically in Paraguay (at least one report), a few during winter in Uruguay and southeastern Brazil, and nomads in Ecuador and the Falkland Islands (Malvinas).
Font: Bird Life (Chilean Flamingo Species Factsheet) and the IUCN (Chilean Flamingo)

Population estimate: 200,000 (1992 and 2000 estimates)
Trend: Descending.

According to BirdLife: In the mid-1970s the population was estimated at 500,000 individuals, but more recent figures place it at 100,000 in Argentina, 30,000 in Chile and 10,000 in Peru and Bolivia together. It is estimated that a total of about 200,000 individuals persist. This species appears to be declining at a moderate to rapid rate, the perceived extent is perhaps misleading, and in part may just be a reflection of improved census methods.

IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (BirdLife, 2006)
CMS list: Appendix II
CITES list: Appendix II

Font: Bird Life (Chilean Flamingo Species Factsheet)

Threats affecting this species:

  • Intensive egg collection by human populations surrounding nesting sites in South America in recent years. Egg collectors have been responsible for the partial or total loss of entire colonies in Bolivia.
  • Mar Chiquita (Argentina), perhaps the most important nesting site, is being threatened by continuous water extraction caused by agricultural irrigation projects.
  • Mining has brought with it the alteration of extensive areas of their habitats.
  • Riots related to hunting and tourism.

According to International Species Information System (ISIS) (data downloaded 13 Oct 2008) 4,580 Flamingos have been recorded in captivity in 171 collections.
Between 13 Oct 2007 and 13 Oct 2008, 71 chicks were recorded as captive born.
Font: International Species Information System (ISIS)

  • BirdLife. 2008. Caribbean Flamingo Species Factsheet.
  • BirdLife. 2008. Chilean Flamingo Species Factsheet.
  • International Species Information System (ISIS). ISIS Species Holdings.
  • IUCN. 2008. Chilean Flamingo.
«Dwarf Flamingo»

Dwarf Flamingo,

(Phoeniconaias minor).

The Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) is the smallest and most numerous of all the flamingo species. It is estimated that its total population ranges from 2,220,000 to 3,240,000 individuals. To date, 4 regional subpopulations have been identified.

  • 15,000 – 25,000 individuals in West Africa.
  • 1,500,000 – 2,500,000 in East Africa.
  • 55,000 – 65,000 in southern Africa and Madagascar.
  • 650,000 in South Asia (Molina, 1782)
It is distinguished from all other flamingos by its small size, its beak is dark in color and its eyes are red. It is the only member of the genus Phoeniconaias, which translates to "Crimson Water Nymph."

General:

  • Height: c. 99 cm (3 ft 3 in)

  • Weight: c. 2.0kg (4.5lbs)

  • Wingspan: c. 99 cm (3 ft 3 in)

  • It is the smallest. Red eyes and dark beak.

  • He has a rear toe.

  • Deep type beak.

  • Distribution: Africa and SW Asia.

  • Estimated population: from 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 copies.

  • IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (NT).

  • Its biggest threats are mining, pollution and nuisance.

  • Captive population: 1,142. copies.

  • Order: Phoenicopteriformes

  • Family: Phoenicopteridae

  • Gender: Phoeniconias

  • Species: Phoeniconaias minor (Saint Hilaire, 1798)

Alternates, Phoenicopterus minor in the AERC TAC (2003), Collar et al. (1994), Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993), Dowsett and Forbes-Watson (1993), Cramp and Simmons (1977-1994), and BirdLife International (2000, 2004 and 2006).

Placement in the genus Phoeniconaias follows Dickinson (2003) Contra Sibley & Monroe (1990, 1993) due to the distinctive morphology of the interior of the bill indicating differentiation at the generic level of Phoenicopterus.
Source: BirdLife (Lesser Flamingo Species Factsheet)

Dwarf Flamingo: Small flamingo with pinkish-white plumage, a dark bill with a red patch near the tip, red eyes, and pink legs.
Similar species: Greater Flamingo, are much larger pale with proportionally longer neck and legs and have less black on the bill.

Estimated Range: (reproduction/residence): 331,000 km2

According to BirdLife: Lesser Flamingos are mainly found in the East African Rift Valley lakes in Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. Three smaller breeding congregations occur in West Africa, in southern Africa, and in India and Pakistan in Asia. When they breed, they are found in almost every country from south of the Sahara and the Arabian Peninsula to Pakistan. The world population is c.2,220,000-3,240,000, including c.650,000 in Asia. Declines have occurred across much of Africa, but are difficult to pin down due to large-scale movement on the continent. This species is adapted to respond to local environmental changes at sites by moving to other locations, and therefore relies on a network of suitable zones.

This species has wide movements in response to adverse conditions. Breeds in large colonies of many thousands of pairs in large lakes and calm saline and alkaline coastal lagoons, usually far from shore. Breeding season varies geographically and pairs may not breed every year. It has a highly specialized diet consisting almost entirely of microscopic blue-green algae (Spirulina spp., Oscillatoria spp., and Lyngbya species) and diatoms (Navicula spp., Bacillariophyceae)6. To a lesser extent, the species also feeds on of small aquatic invertebrates, such as rotifers (Brachiomus spp.)

Font: Bird Life (Lesser Flamingo Species Factsheet) and IUCN (lesser flamingo)

Population estimate: 2,220,000 – 3,240,000 (2002-2006 estimate)
Trend: Descending.

According to BirdLife: 15,000-25,000 individuals in West Africa (Trolliet and Fouquet 2002, Trolliet et al 2004, T. Dodman in litt 2002 to Wetlands International 2002..); 1,500,000-2,500,000 in East Africa (unpublished data provided by Wetlands International Specialist Groups to Wetlands International 2006); 55,000-65,000 in S. Africa and Madagascar (Dodman 2002), 650,000 in Asia, S. (Parasharya and Tere in litt 2005 to Wetlands International 2006).

IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (BirdLife, 2006)
CMS list: Appendix II
CITES list: Appendix II
Font: Bird Life (Lesser Flamingo Species Factsheet)

Threats affecting this species:

Of the main breeding sites in Africa, only three remain, and all face serious threats and require protection. Soda ash mining proposals in combination with hydroelectricity directly affect the main breeding site. The Lake Natron project in Tanzania, although currently on hold, could cause rapid population decline due to disturbance and the introduction of a non-native shrimp to clean the lake of algae ( flamingo food). Other threats include land reclamation, water pollution, and disturbance, and it is feared that the population in Lake Bogoria is suffering from malnutrition.

  • Regular monitoring of the population of Lake Natron and other key sites.

  • Regular monitoring of the population of Lake Natron and other key sites.

According to the International Species Information System (ISIS) (downloaded on 13 Oct 2008) There are 1,142 Lesser Flamingos registered in 57 collections.
Between 13 Oct 2007 and 13 Oct 2008, only one hatchling was recorded in captivity.
Font: International Species Information System (ISIS)

"Andean Flamingo"

Andean Flamingo,

(Phoenicoparrus andinus).

The Andean Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus) is the largest flamingo in South America and is found in the high Andean plateaus of Peru, Chile, Bolivia and Argentina.
Distinguished from other flamingos by its yellow legs, purplish-pink plumage, and a large amount of black color visible when upright.
It is more closely related to the Jmaes flamingo and the two are the only ones belonging to the genus Phoenicoparrus.

General:

  • Height: 102-110cm

  • Yellow legs, visible black primaries when upright

  • Does not have a rear toe

  • deep type pickaxe

  • Distribution: Peru, Chile, Bolivia and Argentina

  • Estimated population: 34,000 copies

  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (VU)

  • Their biggest threats are mining, egg harvesting, and water extraction.

  • Captive population: 34 individuals

  • Order: Phoenicopteriformes

  • Family: Phoenicopteridae

  • Gender: Phoenicoparrus

  • Species: Phoenicoparrus andinus (Philippi, 1854)

Font: Bird Life ( Andean Flamingo Species Factsheet )

Andean Flamingo: big flamingo body pale pink below and saturated pink above. Vinaceous pink underneck, breast and wing coverts black, and triangular patch of primaries visible when upright. Pale yellow legs with only three front toes, no back toe, and yellow and black bill.
Similar species: james flamingo they are paler, orange legs and less visible black when upright. Chilean Flamingos they have gray legs and pink knees, they also have less visible black when upright.

Estimated Range: (reproduction/residence): 189,000 km2

According to BirdLife: The Andean flamingo breeds in the high Andean plateaus of Peru, Chile, Bolivia and Argentina, with a resident population of c.100 in Laguna Mar Chiquita, Córdoba, lowlands of Argentina. Breeds in c.10 localities, notably Laguna Colorada and other salt lakes in southwestern Bolivia, Laguna de Salinas (Peru), and Salar de Atacama (Chile). Playback has been recorded for the first time in Argentina (Laguna Brava), but it can only occur during strong El Niño years. Some nomads have been recorded in Brazil.
It is largely confined to alkaline high-mountain lakes and salt-lakes, at 2,300-4,500 m. May be irregular temporary nomad in search of food supplies (particularly diatoms4). It reproduces in colonies, mainly in the months between December and February, raising a single egg unless the first egg has been preyed upon.

Font: Bird Life (Andean Flamingo Species Factsheet).

Population estimate: 34,000 (1997 estimate)
Trend: Descending.

According to BirdLife: Population assessments are difficult and vary widely, but by the mid-1980s 50,000-100,000 individuals had been confirmed. The estimated 34,000 in 1997 suggests that its decline was rapid in the subsequent 10-15 years. Breeding success appears to be consistently low, and therefore its decline may continue for many years, as flamingos enjoy high longevity (20-50 years).

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (BirdLife, 2006)
CMS list: Appendix II
CITES list: Appendix II

Font: Bird Life (Andean Flamingo Species Factsheet)

Threats affecting this species:

  • Egg collection: It has been intensive since the middle of the 20th century and at the beginning of 1980, the figure is estimated to be in the thousands.

  • Mining.

  • Unfavorable water levels due to weather and handling.

  • Erosion of nesting sites.

  • Human unrest.

  • Hunting: Outside Bolivian protected areas, there are low levels of hunting for food, oil and feathers, especially on chicks and juveniles.

According to the International Species Information System (ISIS) (downloaded May 25, 2008) 4 Andean flamingos have been recorded as born in captivity in two collections: 1. Parken Zoo, Sweden and Wild Animal Park Mechelen Planckendael, Belgium (3).

For others in Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge (United Kingdom) have a herd of 30 individuals.

Font: International Species Information System (ISIS)

"James Flamingo"

James Flamingo,

(Phoenicoparrus jamesi).

Tl James Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi) is a small flamingo from South America. It is found in the high Andean plateaus of Peru, Chile, Bolivia and Argentina.

It is the palest of the South American flamingos and is distinguished from all other flamingos by its orange legs, yellow bill, and red skin near the eyes. It is most closely related to the andean flamingo , and the two are the only members of the genus Phoenicoparrus.

James Flamingo was named for the Henry James of Berkeley , an English naturalist, who financed expeditions to Chile to collect samples of birds,

butterflies and moths. On one expedition he collected a sample of a new Flemish, which Philip Sclater later describes in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society (1886) and called it James's Flemish.

General:

  • Height: 90-92cm
  • Orange and red legs, yellow and black beak.
  • Does not have a rear toe
  • deep type pickaxe

  • Distribution: Peru, Chile, Bolivia and Argentina.

  • Estimated population: 100,000 copies

  • IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (NT)

  • Their biggest threats are mining, egg harvesting, and water extraction.

  • Captive population: 3 copies

  • Order: Phoenicopteriformes

  • Family: Phoenicopteridae

  • Gender: Phoenicoparrus

  • Species: Phoenicoparrus jamesi (Sclatter, 1886)

Alternates, Phoenicopterus jamesi in al-collar et al. (1994) and Sibley & Monroe (1990, 1993).

Font: Bird Life (Puna Flamingo Species Factsheet)

A small, pale pink flamingo, With bright crimson stripes around the neck and back. The bill is bright yellow with a black tip (less than a third of the bill). Bright red skin around the eye. orange legs. Three front toes, no rear toe. The chicks are grayish in color with narrow bands on the upperparts.

Similar species: chilean flamingos . are pink, with lighter beads and more andean flamingos they are larger, more purple in color, show more black on the wings and bill, and have yellow legs.

Estimated Range: (reproduction/residence): 274,000 km2

According to BirdLife: James's flamingo occurs in the high Andean plateaus of Peru, Chile, Bolivia and Argentina. A small number do so in the lowlands around Laguna Mar Chiquita in Argentina. The only regular breeding sites are the Red Lagoon and Laguna Guayaques, Bolivia, with up to 41,000 birds recorded at the former and recruiting appearing to rely almost exclusively on this site, but another colony has thrived at the Salar de Tara, Chile and the birds are also present in summer in the Vilama and Laguna Grande Lagoons, Argentina.

Font: Bird Life (Lesser Flamingo Species Factsheet) and IUCN (lesser flamingo)

Population estimate: 100,000 (2005 census)
Trend: Descending.

According to BirdLife: According to a census carried out in 2005, the population is estimated at 100,000 birds. The population declined rapidly, probably during the 20th century, but has begun to increase again, probably due to the success of conservation programs. Breeding success varies greatly from year to year, especially with threats affecting reproduction, but the 1999-2000 season was extraordinarily successful, with 18,000 chicks hatching in Laguna Colorada.

IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (BirdLife, 2006)
CMS list: Appendix I and II
CITES list: Appendix II

Font: Bird Life (Puna Flamingo Species Factsheet)

Threats affecting this species:

  • Climate change: diatom levels may be affected by reduced food resources

  • Egg collecting and hunting: intensified during the 20th century, but have been controlled in protected areas

  • Mining activity and demand associated with water

  • Tourism

International and national conservation programs have been organized in the four countries in the area and it is expected that they will continue to encourage population growth. Much of its range is protected – the most important protected area is Wildlife Reserve National Eduardo Avaroa  in Bolivia.

The proposed measures:

  • Conduct simultaneous surveys during the breeding season to control the population.

  • Increase the network of protected areas to include vital sites in Argentina

  • Investigate the possibility of creating an international reserve between the sites of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile in order to protect the colonies and the main breeding and congregation sites