James' Flamingo at Ramsar Site Salar de Surire, Chile

A close look at the waterline where the mud has washed off reveals the red legs characteristic of this Phoenicoparrus jamesii, (common names: James' Flamingo,  Puna Flamingo,  parina chica) which was encountered in breeding plumage at the Surire Ramsar Site in extreme northern Chile. Travelers to the altiplano often comment on the amazing sight of these flamingos at 4,500 meters above sea level.

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For more information about Ramsar Sites, wetlands of international importance, please refer to WWW:RAMSAR.ORG

Important Ramsar Site in Chile, breeding location of 3 species of flamingos

Excerpt from the Ramsar Page: 

"The Convention on Wetlands came into force for Chile on 27 November 1981. Chile presently has 9 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, with a surface area of 159,154 hectares.

Salar de Surire. 02/12/96; Región I; 15,858 ha; 18º51’S 069º00’W. A saltmarsh and saline lakes subject to seasonal fluctuations set in the High Andean steppe. Vegetation is determined primarily by the relief and the water availability. Numerous non-metallic minerals (calcium and boric salts) are found around the saltmarsh. One of the four most important places in Chile for nesting flamingos. The site supports various high altitude species of flora and fauna which are endangered or rare. Human activities include livestock grazing, borax mining, and tourism. Ramsar site no. 873."