Have you ever wondered why some animals like flamingos are so colourful?

Flamingos feed on a mix of algae, brine shrimp, and tiny crustaceans found in salty wetlands and lagoons. These foods are rich in natural pigments called carotenoids, the same stuff that makes carrots orange and salmon pink. When flamingos digest these pigments, their bodies break them down and deposit them into their skin and feathers, gradually turning them that beautiful rosy hue.

Surprisingly, flamingos hatch with soft grey or white feathers (Source: Freepik)

The more pigment-packed their diet, the deeper the colour. Flamingos in regions where food is rich in carotenoids tend to look more vibrant, while others may appear lighter or paler depending on what’s available in their habitat.

Here’s something you might not expect: flamingos don’t just rely on food to stay fabulous; they also do a bit of grooming with style. Scientists have discovered that during mating season, these birds rub oil from glands near their tails onto their feathers. This oil contains carotenoids too, acting like a natural blush to make their colours pop even more. It’s basically flamingo cosmetics, and yes, it works.

Why go to all this effort? Because in the flamingo world, colour matters. A flamingo with rich, vibrant feathers usually has a strong immune system and access to good food — two signs of a healthy, desirable mate. When it’s time to attract a partner, the brightest bird often gets the most attention.

Interestingly, when flamingos become parents, they sometimes lose their bright colouring temporarily. That’s because they divert their carotenoid intake into producing “crop milk” to feed their chicks, a reminder that even the most beautiful birds make sacrifices for family.