Chilean Flamingo
Phoenicopterus chilensis
The Chilean flamingo is a species of large flamingo at a height of 110–130 cm (43–51 in) closely related to the American flamingo and the greater flamingo, with which it was previously considered a subspecies before being classified as its own species as a result of their lighter color, smaller size and behavioral differences. The species is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
34
Countries
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chilean_flamingo
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Phoenicopteriformes
Family
Phoenicopteridae
Genus
Phoenicopterus
Chilean Flamingo belongs to the family Phoenicopteridae, order Phoenicopteriformes, within the Aves class.
Species Profile
The Chilean flamingo is a species of large flamingo at a height of 110–130 cm (43–51 in) closely related to the American flamingo and the greater flamingo, with which it was previously considered a subspecies before being classified as its own species as a result of their lighter color, smaller size and behavioral differences. The species is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Chilean Flamingos face significant threats from habitat loss and degradation of their specialized wetland environments, particularly due to mining activities, water extraction, and agricultural development in South America's high-altitude salt lakes and coastal lagoons. Climate change and human disturbance at breeding and feeding sites further compound these pressures, making populations vulnerable to decline.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
High-altitude salt lakes, alkaline lagoons, and coastal mudflats primarily in the Andes mountains and Patagonian regions of Chile, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, and southern Brazil. These specialized wetland environments are characterized by shallow, saline waters rich in algae and small crustaceans that support flamingo feeding and breeding activities.
Threats
Agricultural development and land conversion
Habitat loss from mining and water extraction
Climate change affecting water levels
Human disturbance at breeding colonies
Pollution of wetland habitats
Found in 34 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/chilean-flamingo