Why are Flamingos Pink?

How flamingos get their brilliant pink coloration

When you visit The Galapagos islands, there are many wonders waiting for you, one of which being Flamingos! On strategic parts of a few islands, your guide will lead you away from the pristine beaches where you can find lagoons, and if you are lucky, flamingos!

The flamingos can be seen resting in the sun, in their classic one-footed pose, and feeding with their heads in the water. Now, the interesting part about their diet is that it is actually what gives these magnificent birds their bright pink color! The crustaceans and algaes that they eat are full of a carotenoid pigment that gives them their coloration, and the more they eat the pinker they get! For this reason, you will notice younger smaller flamingos have more grey and whites than pink – until they grow, eat more, and store more pigments in their feathers and skin.

The Galapagos flamingos are a bit smaller than other American (or Caribbean) flamingos and their populations are small, so they aren’t considered abundant, but they are here year-round, and your expert guide will know the best places to find them!

On a tour with Galapagos Renaissance you will be able to responsibly witness a range of unique wild animals thriving in their natural habitats. Our mission is to always provide a top-quality ecotourism service that helps to protect and conserve this wildlife, all while offering you the experience of a lifetime. Join us on our journey today!