Ever wondered how baby flamingos get their stunning pink color? The answer lies in their fascinating and unique upbringing. Caribbean flamingos are known for their vibrant pink feathers, but did you know their chicks are born without this color?

At birth, baby flamingos have straight bills that aren’t yet equipped to filter food from water. So, how do these feathered parents nourish their young? They produce a special “flamingo milk” in their mouths. This milk is rich in protein and fat, much like mammalian milk, and is made possible by the hormone prolactin—just like in humans. Interestingly, both flamingo parents produce this milk, with the dad also contributing to the feeding process.

The milk appears bright red, packed with the same pigments responsible for the adults’ pink hues. As the parents feed their chicks, their own color starts to fade, a relatable sacrifice for many parents. Through this joint effort, the flamingo family ensures the chick receives the essential nutrients needed until it can feed on its own and start developing its pink plumage.