Why Are Flamingos Pink?

What Is the Pink Color of Flamingos?

Flamingos are fascinating birds known for their bright pink color that immediately catches the eye. They are often found in salt lakes, lagoons, or marshes where they live in large groups. Their distinctive hue intrigues many people, especially when you know that flamingos are rather gray or white at birth. So, why do they become pink?

Why Are Flamingos Pink?

Flamingos are pink because of their diet. They mainly eat shrimp, algae, and other small organisms rich in pigments called carotenoids. These pigments, once digested, are deposited in their feathers, skin, and even their beak, giving them their characteristic pink color. Without these pigments in their food, flamingos would remain white or gray.

Complete Explanation of Flamingo Color

Carotenoids are natural pigments found in certain plants and microscopic animals, particularly in the algae and crustaceans that flamingos consume. Once ingested, these pigments are metabolized by the flamingos’ bodies and transported to their feathers. This process is slow, which explains why young flamingos, who have not yet consumed enough carotenoids, have a duller color.

The intensity of the color also depends on the amount of carotenoids consumed: a flamingo well-nourished with these pigments will have a brighter pink color. It is also a sign of good health and a criterion for sexual selection in these birds, as vibrant plumage is often perceived as an indicator of vitality.

Finally, if a flamingo changes habitat and no longer finds these foods rich in carotenoids, it can gradually lose its pink color and become pale again. This phenomenon shows how essential their diet is to their appearance.

Sources:

• https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/why-are-flamingos-pink-and-other-flamingo-facts
• https://www.britannica.com/story/why-are-flamingos-pink
• https://www.newscientist.com/question/why-are-flamingos-pink/