Pretty in Pink April 25, 2011
Posted by nrhatch in Animals, Life Balance, Nature.trackback
I learned something new the other day . . . flamingos use “blush” to attract mates.
The birds’ pink coloration flows from the carotenoid-rich crustaceans they consume, but the pigment pales after chicks hatch.
Since birds with the deepest coloring are the first to attract mates, the birds use their beaks to dab carotenoid-rich oil from glands near their tails onto their plumes and feathers during mating season to make them pinker and more attractive to the opposite sex.
Celebrate the joy of nature . . . the unexpected mysteries of life!
Quote: Nature does not ask, “what do they want me to be?” Its glory lies in its authenticity.
Related posts: National Geographic: Flamingos Apply “Make Up” * Sarasota Jungle Gardens * Teaching Old Birds New Tricks
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Spirit Lights The Way 
Wow – I never knew that about flamingoes! Thanks for teaching me something new today!
That’s the reaction I had, Barb. It surprised the researchers too once they realized what the birds were doing to affect their coloration.
IT THE BIRD KINGDOM, IT IS THE MALE THAT HAS ALL THE PLUMAGE AND COLOR TO ATTRACT A MATE. FINALLY SOME GENDER-PRETTY EQUALITY FOR MEN.
That’s true for many birds ~ cardinals, peacocks (vs. peahens), roosters.
I think that’s why I found this so fascinating ~ both sexes daub on the oil to heighten their appeal.
Isn’t nature amazing?!
It awes me! 😀
You learn something new everyday thanks to blogging!
Thanks Nancy 🙂
The idea of birds using “cosmetics” to enhance their appearance really blew me away. A real eye opener. 😯
Flamingos always remind me of Florida. The first time I remember seeing them was at Busch Gardens when I was a little girl.
They always reminded me of Florida too. When I learned that there are huge flocks of flamingos in many other locations around the world, it surprised me.
Wow. Natural cosmetics. Who knew?
Vultures do it too . . . but they use mud to “enhance” their appearance. As if anything could. 😀
Wonderful! I’ve always loved flamingos. Thanks for teaching me something new about them!
You’re welcome, Rosa. I enjoyed sharing some FUN facts about Flamingos.
Ha, and I thought humans were the only ones that use make up, perfume, and jewelry to attract others!
So did I, Suzi. I wonder if vanity is also a shared characteristic? Probably not. 😉
With other species, attracting mates is less about “being attractive” and more about survival of the species.
i’ve heard this before – you and my husband must watch the same documentaries 🙂
Actually, I read about this in Audubon magazine, and did an on-line search to find the National Geographic article. But we watch plenty of documentaries . . . a better quality “reality” TV. 😉
Gracious. Wanton hussies 😀
Floozies! Tarts! And, also, Boy Toys! 😀
Neato!
Pink is one of my least favorite colors to wear or decorate with, but I love pink Flamingos and pink Spoonbills. Go figure.
Oh the vanity of the world’s creatures. Imagine it being so innate! And so fascinating.
Tigger’s vain. He’s good looking and he knows it! 😉
Ha the vultures applying mud is a funny thought. They might not be pretty but they sure are interesting. And quite useful birds I might add.
Great points, Linda. It is funny thinking of using “mud” as a make-up. But, then again, people pay big money for mud baths and mud masks at spas. 😉
Vultures are incredibly useful at “composting” dead and decaying flesh which would otherwise be lying around.
We live and learn, hey?
We do, indeed. 😎
Very interesting indeed!
Now I’m wondering whether our Spoonbills also have a make up case in their trunk.
Look at them stems! Those birds have legs to die for – much better than my treestumps… 😦
I’ve always loved this majestic bird – they are positively the Grande Dames of the bird world… 🙂
I expect you would look and feel a bit precarious wobbling around on those stilts.
And can you imagine having such a long and elegant neck? 😀
Granny shuffles off to see if she has any blush!
You go, girl! I never bother with make up these days . . . except a quick brush of blush when the occasion (or my mood) demands it. A bit of color in my cheeks perks me right up.
I have three Shih Tzus, two of whom are overweight (mostly my fault) and one of whom is slim and as pretty as a picture. She regulates her own weight, has big liquid eyes, and the perkiest butt and tail you ever saw.
And she knows it. Call her “pretty princess” and she melts. We had to name her collar “her pretty” and it became okay to wear it.
I’m pretty sure the pinkest flamingos know how gorgeous they look 😛
Animals are so aware of their effect on us . . . they know who’s the boss! 😉
I was at the Grounds for Sculpture in NJ the other day (you’ve been there, Hatch?), which is one of NJ’s great hidden treasures, and the peacocks were in full mating mode. Three males, one not 5 feet away, were putting on a dance and fanning out their feathers while a clutch of females strolled over to inspect the goods. I wish I’d had my camera with me.
I haven’t been there, but I just checked it out on line ~ WOW! Did you eat at Rat’s Restaurant? (What an unappetizing name!)
I would gravitate to the Peacock Cafe for a picnic lunch to eat on the grounds.
Last year, as we walked to the 4th of July fireworks on Longboat Key, we heard a bird calling from up in a tree. Looked up and saw a peacock! There’s a flock of them on the island that the islanders care for. Pretty cool.
Like you . . . no camera. 😀
I might do a post on the place for PFC. I’ll try to get a peacock pic when I’m there.
I have the good fortune of being friendly with a woman who makes big bucks and loves renting Rats out for private parties. Believe me, you quickly forget the name. I don’t know of a restaurant with a better atmosphere.
The photos of Rats looked wonderful ~ lovely ambiance for a soiree . . . especially when someone else is picking up the tab. 😉
Magical! See even nature can teach us a thing or two about the color of love…. 🙂
Eliz
The majesty, miracles, and mysteries of nature never cease to amaze and amuse. 😉
This is also a reminder of how connected to the animal kingdom we human animals are. I’m always fascinated by seeing a behavior that’s common across many species.
Me too. Especially when animals demonstrate LOVE and other “human” emotions to their caretakers. It boggles the mind that anyone could conclude that animals don’t “feel.”
You might like this video:
http://uphillwriting.org/2011/04/27/quips-quotes-amazing-video/