How do flamingos get their pink color?

Flamingos get their pink color from the pigments in the food they eat, primarily from algae and small crustaceans that contain carotenoids. These pigments are broken down in the flamingo’s digestive system and are then deposited in the feathers, skin, and beak. Flamingos are born with gray feathers, and their color gradually changes as they mature, depending on their diet. The more carotenoid-rich food they consume, the brighter their pink or red coloration becomes.