FLAMINGOS PRESUMABLY ESCAPED FROM CAPTIVITY FIND SUITABLE HABITAT IN WESTERN EUROPE

Abstract

Some 25 years ago a group of Chilean Flamingos (Phoenicopterus chilensis) appeared in the coastal wa- ters of The Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark. In subsequent years, the group was enlarged by some Greater Flamingos (P ruber roseus) and Caribbean Flamingos (P r. ruber) and also appeared in inland waters. This free-living flamingo group became very adaptive to these habitats. I reviewed literature on flamingo presence in Western Eu- rope, habitats and weather conditions in these areas, as well as summarized my own observations. The flamingos established an inland breeding colony and winter in the joint delta of the rivers Rhine, Meuse, and Scheldt. They developed a clear annual migratory pattern. Although salt and brackish waters are available, the flamingos prefer fresh water. Young flamingos are born almost annually, but it seems that numbers can only be kept stable (about 50) by the occasional addition of escapes.