Why do flamingos turn pink?
Quick Answer
Flamingos get their pink color from carotenoid pigments in algae and tiny animals they eat. Without that diet, they would be much paler.
The Full Story
Flamingos are not born pink; chicks are gray or white at first. Their color comes from carotenoids, pigments found in the algae, shrimp, and other small organisms they eat in salt lakes and lagoons. The birds break these pigments down and deposit them in feathers, skin, and bill tissue. Greater access to carotenoid-rich food usually means deeper pink or reddish coloration. Zoos often add carotenoid-rich feed to keep flamingos brightly colored, which shows how strongly diet influences their famous appearance.
Key Facts
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