Freya, the Chilean flamingo   Scientific name:   Phoenicopterus chilensis Animal Type:   Bird Location:   Native to Chile, although it is also found in southern Peru, Bolivia, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina and southern Brazil. Conservation Status:   Near Threatened Diet:   Tiny molluscs, crustaceans (such as brine shrimp), insects, algae and single celled aquatic plants and animals.       Freya spends most of the day standing on one leg and most of the night worm picking on the lawn!

Freya, the Chilean flamingo

Freya is a fine looking bird. She struts around fluffing up her feathers and constantly preens herself. Freya is particularly adept at building nests, which are built in muddy areas where the mud is scooped and piled into a mound about 35cm in diameter and up to 35cm high.

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Chilean flamingo profile

The various species of flamingo are found in southern Europe, Africa, India, Madagascar, South and Central America and the Caribbean. Fossil evidence indicates that the group from which flamingos evolved is very old and existed about 30 million years ago, before many other avian orders had evolved. The discovery and study of a fossil in 1976 suggested that flamingos arose from ancient shorebirds. Fossilized flamingo footprints, estimated to be seven million years old, have been found in the Andes Mountains.

Apart from their colour, flamingos are known for their characteristic one-legged stance, which is actually the most comfortable way to stand for long periods, as each leg is rested in turn (this also helps with regulating body temperature –warming one leg in cold weather or cooling it in hot weather helps keep the bird’s blood at the right temperature). Of course a good sense of balance is essential!

A flamingo's large, fleshy tongue is covered with bristle-like projections that help filter water and food particles through the lamellae. Flamingos cannot drink salt water and must not swallow too much of it with their food, although they are adapted to excrete excess salt through special glands in the nostrils. They drink fresh water from springs or puddles, and can even drink rainwater absorbing it through their waterproof feathers.

Chilean flamingos are migratory and can be found in flocks of between 3,000 and 10,000 birds. They are strong fliers and stretch out their neck and legs during flight. Both on the ground and in the air members of a flock communicate with one another using goose-like calls.

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Threats and challenges to the Chilean flamingo

There are thought to be no more than 200,000 Chilean flamingos left in the wild and the species is officially protected in its native countries. However, its habitat is being reduced and degraded by the drainage of land for agricultural use, the loss of water to crop irrigation and pollution caused by agrochemical run-off. In addition, the introduction of fish to some lakes may also seriously affect the distribution of the Chilean flamingo, as well as the greater flamingo, since they feed primarily on invertebrates. Other flamingo species are not affected because of different food sources. Disturbance from human activity around breeding sites can lead to parents abandoning their nests.

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Durrell's involvement with the Chilean flamingo

Chilean flamingos have been cared for in Jersey since 1966, and breed successfully here. There is currently a flock of around 50 birds.

As always, the development of effective conservation methods is needed, in order to improve and enforce habitat protection and to promote awareness of the importance of these beautiful native birds among local people. Such measures will help to maintain the populations of this species and should see the Chilean flamingo flourish.

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Adoption packs

Adopters will receive an adoption folder containing the following based on Freya, the Chilean flamingo:

What's included Bronze Silver Gold A certificate Photograph Fact sheet Birth certificate Animal stickers Two issues of our ‘On the Edge’ magazine per year Regular news via our electronic newsletter ‘eNews’ Complimentary ticket to visit Durrell wildlife park in Jersey Your name listed on our website - Updates about your animal per year - A chance to enjoy a tour with one of our experienced volunteer tour guides, and spend time with your animal and their keeper - - All for just £3 pm £10 pm £55 pm

*Per month

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Where will my Chilean flamingo donation money go?

Our dedicated conservationists can continue to work tirelessly in threatened habitats in our strategic conservation areas of islands and highlands worldwide. They will also battle to protect and conserve as much wildlife as they can.

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Please pay for your adoption by Direct Debit if you can. Direct Debits are cheaper for us to administer, letting us spend more of your money on our vital conservation work. Direct Debits are also better for you because payments are made automatically and can be spread across the year and you won't be bothered with renewal forms. It will simply roll over until you request otherwise. However, you can make a single payment if you prefer.

Click here to view and print the direct debit payment form » » | or download it »

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