The primary color of a flamingo is pink. This distinctive hue comes from the carotenoid pigments found in the flamingo's diet, which consists mainly of algae, crustaceans, and other organisms rich in these pigments. The vibrant coloration can vary among species and is most noticeable in greater flamingos, Chilean flamingos, and American flamingos, with some having deeper shades than others. Interestingly, younger flamingos are born gray and only develop their pink coloration as they mature. The intensity of their color can also reflect their health and diet; healthier flamingos tend to exhibit more vivid shades of pink.