Flamingos Phoenicopteridae
There are 3 genera in the family. Of the 6 recognized species, the Andean Flamingo Phoenicoparrus andinus is considered vulnerable, and the Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconias minor, Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis, and Puna Flamingo Phoenicoparrus jamesi, are all considered near-threatened. These unmistakable large birds are found on alkaline and saline large shallow lakes, lagoons, and estuaries. They are considered one of the largest gatherers of non-passerines, with colonies in excess of one million Lesser Flamingos Phoeniconaias minor being recorded in some areas of East Africa. Their necks and legs, in proportion to their body size, are the longest of any bird family.

Phoenicopterus

There are 3 species in this genus.

The Caribbean Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber is a New World species that ranges from the Caribbean to northeast Brazil. Another population is restricted to the Galapagos Islands. Some taxonomists lump this species with the Old World Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus This bird was one of many that I observed near Rio Lagartos, Yucatan, Mexico.




NON-PASSERINES