Flamingo Species in Peru: Colors of the Chilean, James's, and Andean Flamingos

Peru hosts three flamingo species—all found in the high-altitude wetlands of the Andes and coastal lagoons. Their colors differ by species, age, and diet (carotenoid pigments from algae/crustaceans).

1. Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis)

• Plumage: Bright pink to reddish-pink
• Flight feathers: Black (primaries & secondaries)—visible in flight
• Legs: Pale yellow to pinkish
• Bill: Pale yellow with black tip
• Range in Peru: Coastal wetlands (Paracas, Lagunas de Mejía), highland lakes

2. James's Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi) – "Puna Flamingo"

• Plumage: Much paler—pale pink to white; less saturated than other species
• Flight feathers: White (primaries & secondaries)
• Legs: Bright yellow
• Bill: Yellow with distinct black tip
• Range: High Andean lagoons (>3,500 m) – Salinas y Aguada Blanca, Lagunillas

3. Andean Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus)

• Plumage: Bright pink to reddish-pink (similar to Chilean)
• Flight feathers: Black
• Legs: Bright yellow
• Bill: Pale yellow with black tip
• Range: High-altitude salt lakes (Salinas, Lagunillas, Junín)
• Status: Vulnerable (IUCN)—rarest of the three

Quick Field ID

All three feed on Artemia (brine shrimp) and diatoms—carotenoids drive the pink. James's is the "ghost" of the trio; Andean is the rarest.