What specific pigments, rooted in the diet of crustaceans, cause the pink, red, and orange tones in the Roseate Spoonbill?
Answer
Carotenoids
The vibrant pink, red, and orange hues observed in adult Roseate Spoonbills are derived entirely from external pigment acquisition, specifically through the consumption of carotenoids. These essential pigments are concentrated in the aquatic life forms the bird eats, primarily crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs. The bird must continually ingest these carotenoid-rich foods, much like an internal dye bath, to maintain the saturation of its signature color, as the coloration is built into the developing feathers.
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