We’re proud to announce that our Chilean Flamingos have been going through the ritual of nest-building (reinforcing last years muddy mounds!) and laying eggs. It’s great to see the frenzied feathered flutters of the flock as they revive their dried nests of mud. Initially they jostle for position, squawking and squabbling over their favoured positions - and then they display to each other. Their courtship is a prolonged and elaborate annual ritual that takes place prior to egg-laying. Chilean Flamingos are monogamous; they share the incubation of the egg over a period of 26-31 days.
In the wild, Chilean Flamingos are listed as ‘near threatened’. They live in large groups on elevated coastal mudflats, estuaries and lagoons in central Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile. Their flocks vary from a few individuals to several thousands. A flock size of at least 15 birds is required for successful breeding.
Chilean Flamingos on and around their mud nests – taken at Seaview Wildlife Encounter earlier today. We’re looking forward to the arrival of the white/grey fluffy chicks in a few weeks time!
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