The iconic pink color of flamingos is not natural. The feathers of newly born flamingos are grayish white, without bright colors at all. So how do they become "beautiful"? The answer lies in their food.

The main food of flamingos includes blue-green algae, shrimps and other microorganisms containing astaxanthin. This natural pigment will gradually deposit in their feathers and skin, making them more and more pink. The more they eat, the brighter the color!

Where do they live?

Flamingos are widely distributed in Africa, South America, the Caribbean, and some wetlands in Taiwan, China, India and other places. We can find them in salt lakes, lagoons and shallow wetlands. These places have high salt content and are not suitable for other animals to survive, but they happen to be a paradise for flamingos. They like to live in groups, and a group may have as many as tens of thousands, which is a very spectacular scene.

Why do they always stand on one leg?

One of the most curious behaviors of flamingos is that they like to stand on one leg. Although scientists still don't have a 100% certain explanation, one theory is that this helps them maintain body temperature. When standing in the water, if both feet are soaked in cold water, heat will be lost faster; when standing on one leg, the other foot can be hidden in the feathers to keep warm.

The social life of flamingos is also wonderful

Flamingos are gregarious animals with strong social skills. During the breeding season, they will perform a collective "courtship dance". Thousands of flamingos will turn their heads, swing their wings, and walk in sync. It is very rhythmic, just like dancing. After the courtship is successful, a pair of flamingos usually only lay one egg, which is incubated and raised by both parents. The parents even secrete a nutrient solution similar to "bird milk" to feed the young birds.

Flamingos are also threatened

Despite the large number of flamingos, their living environment is gradually decreasing. Human urban expansion, water pollution and climate change have caused many wetlands to dry up or deteriorate. In particular, species such as the Andean flamingo have been listed as "vulnerable". Therefore, protecting wetland ecosystems is not just for flamingos, but also for our common home.

What can we do for flamingos?

As ordinary people, we can help flamingos from the following aspects:

- Support protected areas or wetland projects, such as the Camagu Bay Wetlands in South America and Lake Nakuru in Africa.

- Reject tourism behaviors that damage the natural environment and do not feed wild animals at will.

- Save water and reduce plastic pollution in daily life, which is also indirectly protecting the habitat of flamingos.

Guard this natural pink romance together

Flamingos are not only stunning in appearance, but also a symbol of wisdom and adaptability in nature. They "put on colors" with food, express emotions with dance, and protect the lives of the next generation with a group. Every time we see them standing gracefully in the water, it is a visual miracle given to us by nature.

Dear readers, where have you seen flamingos? In a zoo or while traveling? Please share your flamingo memories with us, or tell us what other fascinating wild animals you would like to know more about! Let us continue to explore this colorful world together.

These Flamingos Have Sweet Dance Moves | Wild Argentina

Video by Nat Geo Animals