Flamingos dye their sun-faded feathers to stay pretty in pink
The DIY routine may help attract mates. Once the chicks are born, this preening stops
![A flock of greater flamingos standing in water](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/102021_BD_flamingo-touchup_feat.jpg?fit=1030%2C580&ssl=1)
Greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) use DIY dye to fight sun bleaching of their precious neck feathers. A touch of rouge is key for snagging a mate.
Raffi Maghdessian/getty images plus