Order: Phoenicopteriformes
Family: Phoenicopteridae
The Chilean Flamingo is a striking wading bird native to South America, including the wetlands and salt lakes of Patagonia. Slightly smaller than its Caribbean relatives, it is recognized by its pale pink feathers, deeper pink wing coverts, and grayish legs with noticeable pink joints. These social birds gather in large flocks, often numbering in the thousands, creating a spectacular sight against the Patagonian landscape. Their unique, downward-bending bills are perfectly adapted for filter-feeding, allowing them to sift algae, diatoms, and small invertebrates from the water. During the breeding season, flamingos build mud mound nests and both parents share incubation duties. The Chilean Flamingo is considered near threatened due to habitat loss and changes in water quality, making conservation efforts in Patagonia and elsewhere increasingly important.
Habitat
Shallow saline lakes, lagoons, and salt flats in Patagonia and other parts of southern South America.
Foraging
Feeds by wading in shallow water, using its specialized bill to filter algae and small invertebrates from the mud.
