The Secret Life of Flamingos

Flamingos are fascinating birds known for their distinctive pink feathers and long, thin legs.

But did you know about the surprising reason they're pink? Flamingos are born with grey feathers.

Their pink hues are actually a result of their diet, which is high in beta-carotene.

They consume a lot of algae, larvae, and brine shrimp, which contain pigmented compounds known as carotenoids.

Once ingested, carotenoids are broken down into pigments that get deposited in the flamingos' feathers, bill, and legs.

Over time, this diet turns the flamingos from grey to pink.

It's a slow transition and it may take up to three years for a flamingo to achieve its full pink splendor.

As if this coloring process weren't interesting enough, flamingos' peculiar way of eating is also intriguing.

They feed with their beaks upside down in the water to filter out food.

Marvelously adapted, aren't they?.