“Flamingo Color” was photographed at the Aviario Nacional de Colombia near Cartagena, Columbia. Flamingos are born gray and their feathers and skin gradually turn pink and orange due to their diet. Flamingos consume algae, brine flies, and crustaceans which contain carotenoids. Carotenoids are organic pigments that produce red, orange, and yellow colors which are metabolized and deposited in the feathers, skin, and beaks of flamingos. A dramatic display of plumage color is on display with the “flamboyance” of flamingos in the reflective waters and tree roots at the reserve. Click link for larger image in new window.