Mitchell Fairbarn, from rural Ontario, took 27-year-old Peachy from the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino’s wildlife habitat in the early hours of 3 March.

Fairbarn told the court he had consumed “30 to 40” beers over 24 hours and thought taking the bird would be a joke to share with friends.

Video evidence showed him holding the flamingo by the neck in a hotel lift and carrying it along a corridor.

A veterinarian said Peachy suffered blood loss, broken feather shafts and seven to eight missing feathers, requiring weeks of medication.

Fairbarn, who pleaded not guilty, faces up to four years in prison for the felony conviction and six months for the misdemeanour. He remains in custody ahead of sentencing on 1 December.

The flamingo has since recovered, according to Caesars Entertainment.