Andean Flamingo

Phoenicopterus andinus

The Andean Flamingo inhabits salt and alkaline lakes at altitudes of between 2,300 – 4,500 meters above sea level in southern Peru, Bolivia, northern Chile and northwestern Argentina. These flamingos are in danger of extinction because people take their eggs and pollute the environment of their lakes.

This is the only species of flamingo that has yellow legs and feet. Like other flamingos, the Andean Flamingo rests while standing on one foot. Probably this helps it keep its body temperature warm.

The above picture was taken at the Zoo of Berlin, Germany, in August 2010.

Family Phoenicopteridae
Order Ciconiiformes
Class Aves
Subphylum Vertebrata
Phylum Chordata
Kingdom Animalia
Life on Earth
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