Curaçao’s Pink Flamingo Guide
Among its most graceful and beloved natural inhabitants of Curaçao are the pink flamingos, often spotted wading elegantly in shallow salt flats and coastal lagoons. These exotic birds have become a symbol of the island’s wild beauty and ecological richness.
While not native to the island, the American flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) has made Curaçao its seasonal and sometimes permanent home.
So how did they end up in Curaçao?
Flamingos are strong fliers and can cover hundreds of kilometers in search of food and suitable wetland habitats. Curaçao is located just 65 km (40 miles) north of the Venezuelan coast and is part of the migratory range of the American flamingo. They have likely reached the island naturally by flight—drawn by the island’s salt flats and shallow lagoons that offer abundant food sources like brine shrimp and algae.
Flamingos move between islands and coastal areas depending on seasonal rainfall patterns, wetland salinity, and food availability. When wetlands in Venezuela dry up or become overcrowded, some flocks may expand their range to include Curaçao.
The same flamingo species occurs in other parts of the Dutch Caribbean (e.g., Bonaire has a large protected flamingo population). It is possible that birds from Bonaire—only 50 km away—have also dispersed to Curaçao.
So while flamingos weren't originally resident birds on Curaçao, they arrived naturally, have found suitable conditions, and now maintain seasonal or even semi-permanent populations on the island.
You can often see them in the following key locations:
Salt Flats of Jan Kok (Sint Willibrordus)
The most famous and accessible flamingo viewing site, the Jan Kok salt pans are located along the western coast of the island. These wetlands provide a perfect feeding ground for flamingos, and visitors can often spot flocks of them from the roadside lookout.
Flamingo Sanctuary at Rif-Sint Marie
This protected reserve, also on the western side, supports sustainable habitat conditions. While it is not open for public access on foot, it’s easy to view the birds from nearby walking trails and viewpoints.
Other Salt Pans and Lagoons
Flamingos can also occasionally be found in smaller wetlands near the towns of Saliña, St. Michiel, and around Klein Curaçao, depending on the season and food availability.
Fun Facts:
Flamingos aren't born pink—they're born with gray feathers. Their famous rosy hue comes from their diet. Flamingos feed on algae, shrimp, and other small crustaceans rich in beta-carotene. Their highly efficient digestive systems convert these pigments into vibrant pink and coral-colored feathers, giving them their iconic look.
Did you know:
Flamingos sleep standing up and often on one leg.
Their knees bend backward—except those aren’t knees! They're actually ankles.
Flamingos make a wide range of vocalizations, from honks to growls.
The word "flamingo" comes from the Spanish and Portuguese flamengo, meaning "flame-colored."
Flamingos are highly social and live in colonies that can number in the hundreds. Their synchronized behaviors—from feeding to preening and even mating dances—are a marvel to observe. During the dry season, some flamingos migrate from Venezuela or Bonaire to Curaçao in search of better conditions.
Phoenicopterus ruber
Conservation and Local Importance
Curaçao’s flamingos are not just tourist favorites—they are part of a delicate ecological system. Wetlands that support flamingos also help control flooding, purify water, and sustain biodiversity. Local conservation groups and the government are working to protect these habitats from development, pollution, and climate change.
Some flamingo habitats, like Jan Kok, have been impacted in the past by illegal dumping and habitat disturbance. Educational campaigns and local stewardship efforts are helping turn the tide in favor of sustainable eco-tourism and habitat preservation.
Tips for Flamingo Watching
Bring binoculars – Getting too close can disturb the birds.
Be quiet and patient – Loud noises can scare flamingos away.
Go early in the morning or late afternoon – This is when they are most active.
Respect the habitat – Stay on marked trails and don’t litter.
