May 9th , 2024
CHIRANJIT MITRA
Flamingos are famous for their pink feathers. But have you ever wondered why they're this vibrant color? Let's dive in!
Flamingos eat algae and tiny crustaceans (like brine shrimp) that contain natural pigments called carotenoids.
• Carotenoids are what gi • ve carrots their orange color! They can produce red, orange, and pink pigments in animals.
Flamingos' bodies break down the carotenoids into pink and red pigments during digestion.
These pigments are deposited in new feathers as they grow, giving flamingos their stunning color.
The more carotenoid-rich food a flamingo eats, the brighter pink its feathers become!
Flamingos with limited access to their usual diet will have paler pink or even white feathers.
Bright pink feathers signify health, making flamingos more attractive mates during breeding season.
Bright pink feathers signify health, making flamingos more attractive mates during breeding season.
Zoo flamingos have special additions to their diet to keep their feathers vibrant, mimicking their natural food source.
Nature's paintbrush! Flamingos remind us that what we eat even shows up in our appearance!