The flamingoes feed on a particular type of brine shrimp that feeds on red algae with red pigment (carotenoids) that colour the shrimp - and flamingoes pink (as far as I've understood!). The flamingoes will actually colour themselves pink too with faeces.. a type of make-up!
Well, I'm not a bird expert by any means. I have read this also. I'm going to quote wiki here - adults range from light pink to bright red due to aqueous bacteria and beta carotene obtained from their food supply
8 Comments
I see they feed on Mud-skippers on Indian seashore of marsh.
Lovely pictures by the way.. :)
The flamingoes feed on a particular type of brine shrimp that feeds on red algae with red pigment (carotenoids) that colour the shrimp - and flamingoes pink (as far as I've understood!). The flamingoes will actually colour themselves pink too with faeces.. a type of make-up!
Second picture is awesome and neat than first. Must be Tele snaps..!!
Well, I'm not a bird expert by any means. I have read this also. I'm going to quote wiki here - adults range from light pink to bright red due to aqueous bacteria and beta carotene obtained from their food supply
I heard is about a pigments called carotenoids.
Dan,
I heard flamingos are pink because they eat shrimp. But uncooked shrimp are not pink, they are brown/grey. Any ideas?
thats a lot of flamingoes. is this in a bird park or something?