What Makes Flamingos Pink?

It’s Pink Flamingo Day!

But why are they pink?


You may have heard that it’s because they eat shrimp, but the real answer is a little more complex. Flamingos and shrimp are actually both pink from eating algae that contains carotenoid pigments. Flamingos eat both algae and shrimp-like critters, and both contribute to their fabulous pinkness.


Does the word carotenoid look familiar? The root of this word is ‘carot’ because these same pigments are what make carrots orange! In fact, if you eat too many carrots (which we do not recommend) your skin will also turn an orange/pink shade!