122: Why Are Flamingos Pink? With Ellen Weatherford from Just the Zoo of Us

Why are flamingos pink? And why do they spend so much time standing on one leg?Ellen Weatherford, co-host of the animal podcast Just the Zoo of Us, joins Birds of a Feather Talk Together for a deep dive into one of the strangest and most recognizable birds on Earth: flamingos.Together with Field Museum ornithologists John Bates and Shannon Hackett and birders RJ and Amanda Pole, Ellen explores the incredible biology, behavior, diet, coloration, and evolution of flamingos.We get into some of the questions almost everyone has wondered about these bizarre birds. Are flamingos born pink? What makes their feathers turn pink? Why do flamingos stand on one leg? What do flamingos eat? Can flamingos fly? And how do those unusual bills actually work?Flamingos may be famous for their bright pink feathers, but once you look more closely at their anatomy and behavior, they become even stranger.Ellen brings the curiosity, humor, and love of animals that listeners know from Just the Zoo of Us as we explore the science behind one of the world's most iconic birds.Whether you're a birder, a Just the Zoo of Us listener, an animal lover, or someone who has simply wondered why flamingos look the way they do, this episode is for you.Here are links to our social and YouTube pages, give us a follow:YouTube InstagramTikTokBlueSky