How it works
Digestive enzymes break down the pigments, which are deposited in feathers and skin. Diet, species, age, and health affect the intensity of the color.
What people often miss
Zoos provide balanced diets containing appropriate pigments. Color alone is not a simple measure of whether a wild flamingo has eaten one particular food.
Why this question comes up
The birds’ color is one of the clearest visible examples of diet influencing appearance.
Key points
- Flamingos become pink from carotenoid pigments in the algae and small animals they eat. Chicks hatch with gray or white down rather than bright pink feathers.
- Digestive enzymes break down the pigments, which are deposited in feathers and skin. Diet, species, age, and health affect the intensity of the color.
- Zoos provide balanced diets containing appropriate pigments. Color alone is not a simple measure of whether a wild flamingo has eaten one particular food.
Bottom line
Flamingos become pink from carotenoid pigments in the algae and small animals they eat. Chicks hatch with gray or white down rather than bright pink feathers.
Source and verification
This Answer was checked against Smithsonian’s National Zoo: Why Are Flamingos Pink?. Follow the source for the full official explanation and any later updates.