James's Flamingo
Phoenicoparrus jamesi
The smallest of the high-altitude Andean flamingos, showing pale pink plumage and a notably reduced area of black in the wing.
- Feather type
- Long body plumes and black flight feathers
- Colours
- Pale pink body with a small area of black flight feathers
- Bird size
- Smallest Andean flamingo, ~90-100 cm
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Overview
Overview
James's Flamingo, also known as the Puna Flamingo, is the smallest of the high-altitude South American flamingo species, sharing extreme Andean lake habitats with the Andean and Chilean Flamingos. It is named after ornithologist Harry Berkeley James, who documented the species.
- Smallest of the three high-Andean flamingo species
- Adapted to some of the highest, coldest wetland environments used by any flamingo
- Often found in mixed flocks with other Andean flamingo species
Identifying the Feather
Feather Identification
James's Flamingo feathers show pale pink body plumage with a reduced area of black in the wing compared to some related species.
- Body feathers: pale pink overall, generally similar in tone to the Andean and Chilean Flamingos
- Flight feathers: black, but this species shows a smaller area of black exposed in the folded wing than the Andean Flamingo
- Covert feathers: pale pink to rose-tinged, without strong contrast markings elsewhere on the body
- Bill-adjacent facial feathering: pale, without the darker markings seen near the bill base in the Chilean Flamingo
- Compared to similar species: since overall feather tone overlaps considerably with the Andean and Chilean Flamingos, the reduced black wing area combined with smaller body size is the most useful way to distinguish this species using feather-based traits
Plumage & Molt
Plumage Notes
Sexes look alike, with pink tone tied to diet. Juveniles are grey-brown at first, developing pale pink coloring gradually with maturity.
- No plumage-based sexual dimorphism
- Juvenile plumage lacks pink tones initially
- Molt is gradual, with adult coloring and wing pattern developing over successive cycles
Habitat & Range
Habitat & Range
Restricted to high-altitude saline lakes in the central Andes, spanning parts of Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
- Occupies extremely high-elevation, cold saline lake environments
- Some populations move seasonally between breeding and non-breeding high-altitude sites
- Considered a specialist of the Andean altiplano wetland systems
Behavior & Field Notes
Behavior & Field Notes
James's Flamingos are social, often observed in mixed flocks alongside Andean and Chilean Flamingos at shared high-altitude lake sites.
- Diet: primarily algae and small invertebrates filtered from shallow saline water
- Nesting: builds raised mud mound nests in colonies on remote high-altitude lakeshores
- Voice: honking calls similar to other flamingo species, heard at colonies and in flight
- Field notes: because it shares habitat and overall coloring with other Andean flamingos, body size and the reduced black wing area are especially useful when distinguishing feathers or birds of this species in mixed flocks
Frequently asked questions
What is James's Flamingo also known as?
It is also known as the Puna Flamingo, named for the high-altitude puna grassland and lake habitat it occupies.
How can James's Flamingo feathers be told apart from the Andean Flamingo's?
James's Flamingo shows a smaller area of black exposed in the folded wing and is generally smaller overall than the Andean Flamingo.
Where does James's Flamingo live?
It is restricted to high-altitude saline lakes in the central Andes across Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
Does James's Flamingo mix with other flamingo species?
Yes, it is often found in mixed flocks alongside the Andean and Chilean Flamingos at shared high-altitude lake sites.
James's Flamingo guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding James's Flamingo.
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