Flamingos are naturally white or gray when they are born. However, their diet consists of special substances called carotenoids. These are like natural pigments found in certain foods, especially in things like shrimp, algae, and other small aquatic creatures.
When flamingos eat these carotenoid-rich foods, their bodies absorb the carotenoids and use them to create colorful pigments. These pigments are then deposited in their feathers, giving them their beautiful pink, orange, or red hues.
So, in simple terms, the color of a flamingo's feather is like a reflection of the colorful foods they eat, which makes them look pink or reddish. It's like how eating different foods can affect our health or appearance, but in the case of flamingos, it's all about their feathers!