IT IS not quite the usual type of bird you spot in Hampshire.

But this graceful Chilean flamingo has been more than happy to make its home in Titchfield Haven.

Since flying into the nature reserve shortly before Christmas, the bird has enjoyed a diet of shellfish, including shrimps, and algae.

It has also got on well with the reserve's regular winter visitors such as the Scandinavian oystercatchers and lapwings.

Reserve staff want to trace the origins of the flamingo as they believe it may have escaped from a zoo or private collection of exotic birds.

"Its plumage is good and glints in the sunshine," said Barry Duffin, reserve manager.

"It's a young bird, perhaps only two to three years old. It was probably bred in captivity but it has adapted very well to the wild.

"It's impossible to get closer than 60 metres before it shoots off like a flying broomstick."

He said the haven's more regular birdlife had turned a blind eye to the new exotic arrival.

"Usually when we have a strange visitor the other birds will try to mob it," he said.

Flamingos are sociable birds and usually prefer to stay in big flocks.

Mr Duffin said the flamingo at Titchfield Haven seems more than happy to be a loner.

It is 20 years since a flamingo last flew into the county council-managed haven.

Although staff say it will be difficult, if not impossible, to catch the flamingo they would like to find out how it came to make the haven its home.

If you can help, call the Haven House Visitor Centre on 01329 662145.