Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) juvenile
Pelican Point, Walvis Bay, Namibia.
The characteristic pink colouring of flamingos is from the beta carotene in their diet. The juvenile Greater Flamingo appears greyish or white when it is born and does not develop its true pink color until it is three years of age. Their bill also takes a while to develop its full color – it is yellow when the chick is first born. Greater Flamingo chicks develop quite rapidly and are able to fly at approximately three months of age. The chick will then form a group with the other chicks to keep safe from predators.
Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) juvenile
Pelican Point, Walvis Bay, Namibia.
The characteristic pink colouring of flamingos is from the beta carotene in their diet. The juvenile Greater Flamingo appears greyish or white when it is born and does not develop its true pink color until it is three years of age. Their bill also takes a while to develop its full color – it is yellow when the chick is first born. Greater Flamingo chicks develop quite rapidly and are able to fly at approximately three months of age. The chick will then form a group with the other chicks to keep safe from predators.