Sunday, September 8, 2013

Why Are Flamingos Pink? ~ # 8 of 30


Flamingos are pink because they eat shrimp! Yes, it's another true Urban Legend.  The flocks that eat brine shrimp from salty lakes in both the world's hemispheres get their coloring from the beta carotene which the shrimp contain. Without this food source, they loose their pink, so zoo keepers supplement their diets with the chemical.







Pretty in Pink Flamingos

7.5" x 5.5" original hand painted watercolor on Yupo paper
Acid-free Mat w/ Backing in sleeve - 8" x 10"
Signed and certified by the artist.
Purchase painting here.

#8 of 30 -
Myths, Fables, Folk Tales and Legends

X ♥  O

6 comments:

  1. Sweet pink flamingos- how cheerful!

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  2. I never knew that fact about the pink color..nice job on it!

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  3. Thanks for the nice comments here, Shelia, Mary and Paintlady! :-D

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  4. Beautiful painting, Sandy! I had no idea that beta carotene gave flamingoes their coloration. :)

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    1. Thanks for your comment, Kathryn! Me neither ... I'm finding out all kinds of cool things on my quest for myths, fables, folk tales and legends. :-D

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