It was previously known that dark pink flamingos got their color from the carotenoids that they consumed in their food. Another known fact is that this color is a sign that you were in good health. Today it is also known that dark pink flamingos are more aggressive than the others.
Recent studies at the University of Exeter in combination with the Slimbridge Wetlands Center discover new habits and properties of flamingos. Both institutions are located in the United Kingdom.
The pink color is synonymous with softness, but not with flamingos
The flamingos’ diet contains algae and crustaceans with a high carotenoid index. Carotenoid is a pigment that is responsible for the colors such as yellow, red and dark pink that are present in some crustaceans.
Dark pink flamingos are strong and fight for food with other flamingos. People who are paler pink recognize the strength of their peers and give in.
The specimens of intense pink color are also characterized by the fact that they woo and conquer the females. Flamenco, whether male or female, always tries to make his partner darker than his own plumage.
Flamenco usually spends most of the day feeding. When you’re at a small water level, food struggles increase. The opposite happens when they have a large surface of water. They spend most of their time eating and are not distracted in battle.
How did you find out that you are more aggressive depending on the intensity of the color?
To confirm that they are more aggressive depending on the intensity of their color, 45 specimens were selected that were split between women and men. You recorded 210 one-minute videos. So it could be determined that it is always the darkest who start the fighting. Even lightly feathered flamingos try to escape to avoid these battles. But the enemy chases them and grabs them by the tail.
Flamenco is a social bird, but it is characterized by something very special. They try to stay with those who get along and stay away from those they don’t like. In this way they avoid conflicts. These discoveries enable scientists to improve the living conditions of flamingos that live in captivity in zoos and reserves.
