Rebecca Manzi The return of flamingos to Chile’s high plateau marks a vital ecological cycle, blending beauty, science, and a reminder of the urgent need to protect fragile Andean habitats.
@comunidad_de_machuca/Instagram
In the vast landscapes of the Chilean plateau, where salt lakes shimmer and high-altitude marshes stretch under a thin sky, one of the season’s most fascinating spectacles has begun: the flamingos are back. Their appearance in the wetlands of Machuca, in the Antofagasta region, marks the start of a vital cycle that draws tourists, biologists, and local communities alike.
The ritual of courtship
Those lucky enough to witness this moment can see the intricate courtship display of the flamingos. Dozens of birds move in unison, as if choreographed, their synchronized dances punctuated by calls and the constant preening of feathers. During the breeding season, this grooming brings out brighter, more luminous shades of pink, turning the group into a living mosaic of color.
A sign of health and vitality
That vibrant pink is more than beauty. It’s a biological signal. Females select males with the brightest hues, a sign of good health and strong genetics. As one biologist explained, “the intensity of the feathers is a silent message of strength.” The ritual, then, is not only mesmerizing to watch but crucial for the survival of these populations.
The three species at the heart of the plateau
Three species share the Chilean highlands. The Chilean flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis), the most widespread, the Andean flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus), recognized by its white plumage tinged with pink, and the smallest of them all, James’s flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi), also known locally as parina chica. All depend on the fragile high-Andean ecosystems, now under pressure from climate change and mining activity.
A phenomenon that crosses borders
The return of the flamingos is not confined to Chile. These birds undertake seasonal migrations that connect Chile, Bolivia, Argentina, and Peru. In this sense, they remind us that nature ignores political boundaries. For local communities, their return is both a gift of the landscape and a sign of the region’s ecological resilience.
A message for the future
That the first flocks have once again chosen Machuca is encouraging. It suggests that, at least for now, conditions remain favorable. Yet their presence also serves as a warning: the survival of these birds depends on the preservation of delicate high-altitude habitats. To protect flamingos is, in the end, to safeguard the biodiversity and natural heritage of the Andes themselves.
Source: comunidad_de_machuca/Instagram
