Flamingo species found in the Caribbean are often bright red or orange, while those in drier areas tend to be paler pink in colour. The colouration of flamingos can vary because carotenoid levels in algae and crustaceans also vary across the world. Read more: Beautiful photos of flamingos thriving in Mexico’s wetlands As their diet is almost exclusively from sources rich in beta carotene, flamingos gradually become pink.
Flamingo pink skin#
These fats are then deposited in the flamingo’s feathers and skin as it grows.
Once eaten, enzymes in the flamingo’s digestive system break down the beta carotene and the red-orange pigments are absorbed by the fat in its liver. This chemical has a red-orange pigment in it known as carotenoid, which is also found in carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach. The wetland habitats they call home are packed with blue-green algae, which despite their name are actually red or orange in colour due to a chemical known as beta carotene. The reason why flamingos are pink is down to their diet of algae, shrimps and crustaceans. Instead, when flamingo chicks hatch they have a dull grey colouration to their feathers. The name flamingo comes from the Portuguese/Spanish word ‘flamengo’ which translates to ‘flame-coloured’ in relation to their vibrant feathers, however, they aren’t actually born pink. Known for their long legs and striking bright pink feathers, flamingos are wading birds found in the Americas, Asia, Africa and parts of southern Europe, although they have been known to flourish as far north as Germany.
0 kommentar(er)
