WILDFOWL IDENTIFICATION

Flamingos
There are six different species of Flamingos, American Flamingo (Caribbean Flamingo), Andean Flamingo, Chilean Flamingo, Greater Flamingo, James's Flamingo (Puna Flamingo), and Lesser Flamingo, all found at WWT Slimbridge: -

	American Flamingo (WWT Slimbridge August 2011) ©Nigel Key
	Andean Flamingo (WWT Slimbridge May 2014) ©Nigel Key
	Chilean Flamingo (WWT Slimbridge July 2014) ©Nigel Key
	Greater Flamingo (WWT Slimbridge November 2013) ©Nigel Key
	James's Flamingo (WWT Slimbridge October 2012) ©Nigel Key
	Lesser Flamingo (WWT Slimbridge May 2018) ©Nigel Key

To aid identification we shall compare various significant parts of the Flamingo:-

The Bill & Eyes

American Flamingo	Andean Flamingo
Chilean Flamingo	Greater Flamingo
James's Flamingo	Lesser Flamingo

The Legs & Feet

American Flamingo	Andean Flamingo
Chilean Flamingo	Greater Flamingo
James's Flamingo	Lesser Flamingo

The Plumage

American Flamingo	Andean Flamingo
Chilean Flamingo	Greater Flamingo
James's Flamingo	Lesser Flamingo

Photos copyright of ©Nigel Key Click for larger image

American Flamingo.
A Pink and White bill with a Black tip, Yellow/Orange eyes, Deep Pink plumage with Red wing coverts, Pink legs and feet.

Andean Flamingo.
A pale Yellow bill with a large Black tip, Dark Red/Brown eyes, pale Pink plumage with Black wing coverts, Yellow legs and feet.

Chilean Flamingo.
A Pink bill with a large Black tip, pale Yellow eyes, Pink plumage with Red wing coverts, Grey legs and feet with Pink leg joints.

Greater Flamingo.
A Pink bill with a Black tip, Yellow eyes, Pink/White plumage with Red wing coverts, Pink legs and feet.

James's Flamingo.
A bright Yellow bill with a Black tip, bright Red skin from the bill to the Yellow eyes. The plumage is pale Pink with Black flight feathers, brick Red legs and feet.

Lesser Flamingo.
A dark Red bill with a Black tip, Yellow/Orange eyes, Pink / White plumage with Red wing coverts, Pink legs and feet.

Now that we have identified the Flamingo, where can we find them at WWT Slimbridge?

They can be found in the following Zones: -

American flamingo. - Caribbean Flamingo Zone.

Andean Flamingo. - Andean Flamingo Zone.

Chilean Flamingo. - Flamingo Lagoon.

Greater Flamingo. - Flamingo Lagoon.

James's Flamingo. - Andean Flamingo Zone.

Lesser Flamingo. - Andean Flamingo Zone.


Did You Know?

	Flamingos obtain their Pink plumage from their food which contains carotenoids.
	Flamingos feed by filtering food from the water using their Bills in the upside down position.
	The life expectancy of a captive Flamingo can be 60+ years.
	The Greater Flamingo is the largest of the Flamingos.
	There is only one James's Flamingo at WWT Slimbridge which is the only captive example in Europe.
	Flamingos legs can be 750 to 1250 mm long which is longer then their body.
	Flamingos can sleep whilst standing on one leg.
	The Lesser Flamingo is the smallest of the Flamingos.
	Flamingos only lay a single egg each year.

Related Links:-


Crane Identification

Dabbling Duck Identification

Diving Duck Identification

Flamingo Identification

Geese Identification

Sea Duck Identification

Shelduck Identification

Shoveler Identification

Swan Identification

Whistling Duck Identification




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