Galapagos Greater Flamingo Facts

Name: Greater Flamingo
Family: Phoenicopteridae
Scientific name: Phoenicopterus ruber
Length: 110–150 cm (43–59 in)
Weight: 2–4 kg (4.4–8.8 lb)

Category: Shore Birds
Number of Species: 28
Endemic Species: 19

In total, 21 species of water birds have been recorded in Galapagos, 10 of which are endemic to the Islands. Thirty-Four species of shore birds have been recorded in Galapagos, only 2 of which are endemic.

There is one flamingo species that is resident to the Galapagos Islands, the Greater Flamingo. Flamingos are large and unmistakable birds with extremely long legs and neck, and unique kinked bill. In adults the plumage is pink. The sexes are alike.

Resident:
Sometimes treated as an endemic subspecies glyphorhynchus. Population estimated at between 400-500 birds. Breeds in small colonies from July to March, building mud nests in salt-water lagoons.

Identification:
Unmistakable; a very large, long-necked, pink bird with distinctive 'kinked' bill. Neck extended in flight. ADULT: Wholly pink with conspicuous black flight feathers in flight. IMMATURE: As adult but plumage whitish.

Voice:
A series of rather goose-like "ah-ah-ah ..o" calls.

Behavior:
Feeds in small groups in saltwater lagoons. Occasionally seen at sea flying from one island to another. Flamingos are commonly seen during a Galapagos cruise.