Animals - Animal types and traits - Carotenoid pigments - Flamingos
Why are flamingos pink?
Correct!
Flamingos get their pink to reddish color from their food. Algae and small crustaceans such as brine shrimp contain carotenoids, natural yellow, orange, and red pigments. A flamingo's body processes these substances and deposits the resulting pigments, among other places, in its feathers. Young flamingos are therefore initially gray or whitish and develop their typical color over time. Without the right diet, their plumage can become much paler.
Carotenoids from algae and small crustaceans are processed by the body and deposited in the feathers.
Source: Smithsonian's National Zoo
