Ever wondered why flamingos are pink? The secret lies in their diet! Flamingos eat small crustaceans like shrimp and algae, rich in pigments called carotenoids. These pigments get absorbed into their bodies, travel through their bloodstream, and give their feathers that beautiful pink hue.

But there’s more to it than just diet. The bright pink color serves as a form of communication. During mating season, male flamingos show off their vibrant feathers to attract females. The deeper the pink, the healthier and more suitable they appear as mates.

Interestingly, the pink pigments also help flamingos regulate their body temperature. The pigments absorb sunlight, keeping the birds warm in cooler habitats like saltwater lagoons and tropical wetlands.