Why is a flamingo pink?
Although the explanation of the caratinoids above is right on the money, its important to note FLAMINGOS ARE NOT PINK BECAUSE THEY EAT SHRIMP! Flamingos are pink because the things they eat have those pigments in them. True, flamingos do eat whats called a grass shrimp, but most of their diet is made up of diatoms and algae. In fact, most species of flamingo can’t eat anything bigger than microscopic organisims. So to say that a flamingo is pink just because of shrimp is like saying humans grow healthy and strong because we drink milk. Yes, milk does help us do that, but it is a very small part of a diverse diet that we consume everyday. Also, the feathers are only temporarily that color, not stained pink. If a feather comes off, than it will return to its original white color while laying on the ground over time.
