Chilean Flamingo

The Chilean Flamingo is very social and lives in flocks of up to several thousand individuals in temperate South America – from areas in Peru, southern Argentina, Chile, parts of Bolivia, Paraguay to southern Brazil. It is found in shallow water areas such as estuaries, lagoons and salt lakes, and is usually surrounded by lots and lots of mud.

Collective displays of a series of postures and movements are seen in the months before breeding in an effort to synchronise the process as much as possible. Nests are made by building a large pile of mud around one single egg, which is incubated for around thirty days by both parents. Otherwise, the bird spends much of its day preening because of the saline conditions of its habitat and sleeps standing up.

Listed as Near Threatened, approximately 200,000 birds are estimated to live in the wild. Threats include egg harvesting and hunting as well as disturbance and degradation of habitat.

The flamingo has the longest neck of all birds in comparison to its body. It has 17 vertebrae and is often seen standing on one leg, though experts are uncertain if there is a functional reason for this or if they simply do it for comfort. It is also a noisy bird – honking, grunting and growling to communicate or show aggression.

Salt water from Cork Harbour helps provide Fota’s flamingo flock with the best possible habitat within the Park. The bird is prone to having lesions or Bumblefoot in captivity when housed in fresh water habitats; however, Fota Island’s location means its Chilean flamingoes not only live in a very appropriate natural environment, they can also fish and supplement their own diet.

The Park hand reared two chicks brought down from Dublin Zoo in 2011 and hopes to expand its flock further in the future.