Chilean Flamingo

More Information

Physical Description

With tall, thin legs and a long, flexible neck, Chilean flamingos can reach up to 40 inches in height. They live in large flocks in the wild and require crowded conditions to stimulate breeding. During breeding season, males and females display a variety of behaviors to attract mates, including swiveling their heads from side to side and repeatedly spreading their wings. Upon birth, chicks have gray plumage; they don’t gain adult coloration for up to three years.

Interesting Fact 1

Both male and female Chilean flamingos feed their young with a self-produced, milk-like secretion called crop milk.

Interesting Fact 2

Chilean flamingos get their pink plumage from their carotenoid-rich diet.

Interesting Fact 3

Thanks to their ability to tolerate extreme conditions, like the elevated altitude in the Andes, Chilean flamingos are well-suited for Chicago’s harsh winters.