English
Specials
    Go Ad-Free
    My Alerts
    Moneycontrol
    Moneycontrol PRO
    HomeScienceWhy Flamingos are pink: The surprising science behind it

    Why Flamingos are pink: The surprising science behind it

    Discover why flamingos are pink, how their diet, environment and social habits create these stunning, iconic feather colors.

    Gurpreet Singh
    September 23, 2025 / 14:34 IST
    1. Stunning Pink Beauty: Flamingos’ bright pink color makes them instantly recognizable, dazzling observers in shallow lakes worldwide. (Image: Canva)
    1/10
    1. Stunning Pink Beauty: Flamingoes are bright pink in color which makes them instantly recognizable. They are found in shallow lakes worldwide. (Image: Canva)
    2. Natural Habitat: These wading birds thrive in salty lakes, lagoons and wetlands rich in food sources. (Image: Canva)
    2/10
    2. Natural Habitat: These wading birds thrive in salty lakes, lagoons and wetlands rich in food sources. (Image: Canva)
    3. Unique Diet: Flamingos eat algae, brine shrimp and crustaceans. These contain pigments called carotenoids. (Image: Canva)
    3/10
    3. Unique Diet: Flamingos eat algae, brine shrimp and crustaceans. These contain pigments called carotenoids. (Image: Canva)
    4. Carotenoids Explained: Carotenoids are natural pigments that provide vibrant red, orange and pink colors in animals. (Image: Canva)
    4/10
    4. Carotenoids Explained: Carotenoids are natural pigments that provide vibrant red, orange and pink colors in animals. (Image: Canva)
    5. Digestive Transformation: Flamingos metabolize carotenoids in their liver, converting them into the pink pigment in feathers. (Image: Canva)
    5/10
    5. Digestive Transformation: Flamingos metabolize carotenoids in their liver, converting them into the pink pigment in feathers. (Image: Canva)
    6. Juvenile Flamingos: Baby flamingos are gray or white, lacking carotenoids until they start eating pigment-rich foods. (Image: Canva)
    6/10
    6. Juvenile Flamingos: Baby flamingos are gray or white, lacking carotenoids until they start eating pigment-rich foods. (Image: Canva)
    7. Colour Intensity: Flamingos’ pink intensity depends on diet. Their richer food creates deeper and more vivid hues. (Image: Canva)
    7/10
    7. Colour Intensity: Flamingo's pink intensity depends on diet. Their richer food creates deeper and more vivid hues. (Image: Canva)
    8. Social Significance: Brighter feathers attract mates, signalling health and strength in flamingo social hierarchies. (Image: Canva)
    8/10
    8. Social Significance: Brighter feathers attract mates, signalling health and strength in flamingo social hierarchies. (Image: Canva)
    9. Feather Maintenance: Flamingos preen regularly, redistributing oils to enhance feather coloration and waterproofing. (Image: Canva)
    9/10
    9. Feather Maintenance: Flamingos preen regularly, redistributing oils to enhance feather coloration and waterproofing. (Image: Canva)
    10. Environmental Influence: Water quality and food availability directly impact flamingo's pink shade and overall wellbeing. (Image: Canva)
    10/10
    10. Environmental Influence: Water quality and food availability directly impact flamingo's pink shade and overall wellbeing. (Image: Canva)
    Gurpreet Singh
    Tags: #birds #flamingo #science
    first published: Sep 23, 2025 02:34 pm

    Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!

    Subscribe to Tech Newsletters

    • On Saturdays

      Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.

    • Daily-Weekdays

      Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.

    Advisory Alert: It has come to our attention that certain individuals are representing themselves as affiliates of Moneycontrol and soliciting funds on the false promise of assured returns on their investments. We wish to reiterate that Moneycontrol does not solicit funds from investors and neither does it promise any assured returns. In case you are approached by anyone making such claims, please write to us at grievanceofficer@nw18.com or call on 02268882347