It could appear to make sense to reply the query “Why are flamingos pink?” with “That is simply the way in which it’s”. Elephants are grey, canaries are yellow, so why should not flamingos be pink? Nicely, there really is an excellent purpose.
To begin with, younger flamingos usually are not pink, they’re grey (like an elephant) for concerning the first three years of life, after which they flip pink. Not all grownup flamingos are pink both, although most are both pink or a shade of crimson near pink. Of the 5 species of flamingo in existence, the Caribbean flamingo, is definitely a really vibrant crimson crimson. Basically, grownup flamingos are both crimson, pink, or someplace in between. That also begs the query nonetheless, “Why are Flamingos Pink”.
Genetics would appear to be the apparent reply, however it’s not the precise one. There’s the old saying “You’re what you eat”, and flamingos are pink due to their weight-reduction plan. If you happen to place a flamingo in captivity, and provides it one thing to eat as an alternative of its typical weight-reduction plan, the fowl will so begin to lose its coloring, and finally grow to be extra white than pink. The truth that we do not see extra white flamingos in zoos is as a result of the zookeepers are cautious to present the flamingos a particular flamingo meals, containing all of the vitamins they might get of their pure habitats Flamingo Plush.
A flamingo’s weight-reduction plan is excessive in beta-carotene, the identical substance we ingest once we eat carrots. Amongst different issues, flamingos eat crustaceans, notably shrimp. Their pure habitat is in shallow lakes and wetlands, the place shrimp are inclined to thrive. Flamingos additionally eat algae, one other supply of beta-carotine and carotenoid pigments (crimson). If you consider it, somebody who likes carrots and eats a number of a day can tackle a barely orange hue to their complexion. That truly occurs, and isn’t unhealthy although it might look so.
Now when somebody asks you “Why are flamingos pink?”, you’ll be able to in truth say that it is as a result of they eat shrimp. You may go into some element with the cartenoid bit if you want, however for our functions, simply saying shrimp ought to suffice. Then for those who’re pressed, you’ll be able to point out cartenoids and beta-carotine, as if that is one thing everybody ought to already know!
If the particular person nonetheless does not imagine your reply, you’ll be able to inform them that flamingos additionally fly and march, two extra info about flamingos that positively are true. We’re so used to seeing flamingos within the zoo simply standing on one leg (it is probably the most comfy method for them to face), or as garden ornaments within the neighborhood, we neglect that they’re fairly able to flight, and actually fly from one place to a different in enormous flocks. Insofar as marching is anxious, for those who see a gaggle (really a colony) of flamingos on the bottom, and watch them over a time period, you will finally see them march. You may comprehend it while you see it.