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Chilean Flamingo - Jersey Zoo 01

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Chilean Flamingo - Jersey Zoo 02

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Chilean Flamingo - Jersey Zoo 03

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Chilean Flamingo - Jersey Zoo 04

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Chilean Flamingo

Phoenicopterus Chilensis

• RANGE: Temperate South America, from Peru and Uruguay to Tierra del Fuego in particular the salt lake region of Andes mountains.

• HABITAT: They prefer brackish or salt water, muddy, that is shallow, alkaline usually void of vegetation. Live in large flocks for safety.

• NOTES: Long lived. The pink coloring comes from their diet which is rich in carotenoids, a red pigment found in shrimp like animals that are an important part of their diet. Without this their feathers would turn a dull buff color. Their nest is made out of mud and is like a flattened cone hollowed out. Only 1 egg is laid and is incubated by both parents for 28-32 days. They fly in 3 months. Father is the primary care-giver of young birds.

• CONSERVATION STATUS: Not threatened but its natural habitat is declining and it is a protected species.

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""Oh no you're not!" said a bird all pink and red with a harsh quack, who said her name was Flamingo. "I'm the most beautiful bird in the world." PUPPY'S WILD TIME © Gerald Durrell 1993

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