Schleich Flamingo

Flamingos have a striking plumage that ranges from pink to bright pink. Their long legs, curved necks, and the bend in their thick beaks are also unmistakable.

The beautiful color of flamingos comes from plankton-like algae and small crustaceans. These contain specific pigments that color the birds' feathers. The more they eat of them, the more vibrant their color becomes. The less they eat, the whiter the flamingos are. Even baby flamingos and young birds are initially grayish-white instead of pink. The fact that flamingos often stand on one leg still puzzles scientists. It is believed that they pull one leg up to conserve body heat and save energy.