Census of the American Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber (Phoenicopteriformes: Phoenicopteridae) in Haiti

Abstract

An aerial census of the American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) was conducted during February 20–27, 2024, in Haiti. Nineteen wetland sites were surveyed by fixed-wing aircraft over 4 days. Flamingos were detected at 5 sites and totaled an estimated 1333 individuals. The highest number of individuals was observed at the Estère mangroves and wetlands (1000), followed by Lac Azuéi (229), Lagon Grand Vide (76), Ile-à-Vache (25) and Pointe Mangle (3). It was not possible to census all the areas in Haiti where flamingos are known or expected to occur. Coastal areas that were omitted from this census included the western Tiburon Peninsula, the Cayemites, the Northwest, the Southeast and Tortuga Island. The census is likely an underestimate of the actual population in Haiti during the period of the study. Historical and recent data were compiled to map the distribution of the species in Haiti. It is recommended that Haiti increase the area of protected wetlands to ensure adequate feeding and resting habitats, but also to expand their spatial and temporal coverage and ensure conditions for breeding residents.

Keywords

• caribbean
• hispaniola
• haiti
• american flamingo
• phoenicopterus ruber
• bird census