Natural History Wanderings

How do they get that pink look?

An article at NationalGeographic.com described how Flamingos seasonal change in color is in part due to their use of “make-up.”  The changes in color are in both males and females and are related to mating behavior.  The pinker the flamingo, the more desirable they are to potential mates.

The pink color is created by a diet rich in carotenoids.  (Carotenoids are fat-soluble pigments that are yellow, orange or red).  Although flamingos already have some carotenoids in their feathers, it is also in oil produced in glands near the bird’s tail.  The birds than smear the oil on the bodies during making season to intensify their pink color and make themselves more attractive to mates.

To read more go to the article:  Flamingos Apply “Makeup” to Impress Mates