Andean Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus)

Identification & Behavior: ~110 cm (43.3). The Andean Flamingo has a variable amount of pink and magenta feathers on the base of neck and wing coverts. The rest is mostly whitish pink. In flight, it shows a pink patch at the base of the underwings. It is best distinguished from other flamingos by the large black “triangle” near the bird’s rear end when the bird is standing. It resembles James’ or Puna Flamingo, but Andean Flamingo has yellowish legs, almost half the bill black, and the conspicuous black triangle at the bird’s rear end. Also, see Chilean Flamingo.

Status: The Andean Flamingo is largely restricted to the southwest tip of Peru where is largely confined to Lake Salinas at an elevation of 4300 m. It is the less numerous of all three Flamingos counting only in the hundreds. Andean Flamingo has been recorded to breed in Lake Salinas and Aguada Blanca in Arequipa, but this may be only sporadic events. It also occurs in Br, Bo, and Ch.

Name in Spanish: Parina Grande.

Sub-species: Andean Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus) Philippi, 1854.

Meaning of Name:  Phoenicoparrus: Gr. Phoenix= red, crimson, parra=unknown bird of ill omen. andinus: L. , Andean, andinum = relating to or originating from the Andean regions of South America.  A red crimson bird of ill omen from the Andean Region.

Go to the Family Phoenicopteridae   

Related: Flamingo: Facts & Information