Caribbean flamingo | Chester Zoo animals

About

Flamingos typically live in large flocks and have an average lifespan of around 30 years. Their iconic pink feathers are waterproofed by oil from a preen gland.

Flamingo young hatch white, with soft, downy feathers and a straight bill. The bill gradually curves downward as the flamingo matures. Their bent bills allow them to feed on tiny organisms. Their vibrant pink coloration develops gradually from pigments in the plants and invertebrates they consume!

In muddy flats or shallow water, they use their long legs and webbed feet to stir up the bottom, helping them locate food.

Flamingos are monogamous birds, usually laying only one egg per year, in breeding season you will see them strutting together, moving their heads from side to side, or saluting by standing still with heads raised and wings outstretched.

Caribbean flamingo facts

SPECIES

I am a bird

With their fabulous pink plumage, the Caribbean flamingo is the brightest and one of the largest of all flamingos.

FOUND IN

Central and South America

They live in the Caribbean and Galapagos islands, Central and South America, as well as southern USA.

HABITAT

Wetlands

Caribbean flamingos are found in wetlands such as saline lagoons, salt pans, mangroves, and coastal areas.

DIET

Omnivore

They primarily feed on aquatic invertebrates, such as crustaceans, molluscs, worms, and insects, along with some algae and aquatic plants.

BEHAVIOUR

Loyal and social

Caribbean flamingos are highly sociable and live in large flocks. The enduring partnerships among flamingos include mated couples that raise chicks every year.

AVERAGE SIZE

90cm - 130cm

And we're still not entirely sure why they stand on one leg!

LIFE SPAN

Up to 30 years

Up to 30 years in the wild, though they can live up to 70 years under human care.

ZOO LOCATION

Latin American Wetland Aviary

You can find them sharing their habitat with scarlet ibis, black-necked stilts and a variety of Latin America waterfowl.

IUCN red list statusLeast Concern

Threats

The drainage of Caribbean flamingo habitats and the creation of salt pans have impacted this species’ population. Habitat loss due to land reclamation for development and holiday resorts in some areas is also a threat to these flamingos, and increased tourism activities that disturb nesting sites and habitats.

Human intervention

Climate change & severe weather

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