The presence or absence of fish may have a great influence on the use of lakes by some flamingos. The Chilean flamingo is scarce or absent in lakes with fish. It is present, usually in large numbers, where there are no fish with which to compete for food. The introduction of fish to some lakes may seriously affect the distribution of the Chilean flamingo as well as the greater and Caribbean flamingos, since they all feed primarily on invertebrates. Other flamingo species are not affected because of different food sources.
Flamingos are generally non-migratory birds.
However, due to changes in the climate and water levels in their breeding areas, flamingo colonies are not always permanent. When water levels rise, birds may search for more favorable sites. Drought conditions may force some flamingo populations to relocate. Most flamingos that migrate will return to their native colony to breed. However, some may join a neighboring colony.