Phoenicopterus ruber

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : American flamingo
French : Flamant des Caraïbes

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Phoenicopteriformes
Family : Phoenicopteridae
Notes : No subspecies known

Identification
Second largest flamingo species, reaching 145 cm in length for a weight of 4.1 kg. Bright red legs. Red and black bill with white base and face skin. Plumage mostly reddish with lighter upper back and wing coverts. Unmistakable.

Range and habitat
The species occurs off central and south America in the Caribbean islands and coasts of Venezuela. Also found in Galapagos Islands (former subspecies glyphorhynchus). Lives in coastal saline lagoons and salt pans with mudflats.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species had previously declined because of loss of habitat at breeding grounds. It has now mostly recovered. Galapagos population is vulnerable.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America

Observation
Jurong Bird Park (Singapore)

 

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