Flamingos. Why in the world would they be pink?? I mean, it doesn’t seem to me that such… flamboyant coloring would give much reproductive advantage. If anything, it seems like it would make the bird more visible to predators, considering they live among swamps and saw grass and whatnot. It’s not like they live in a land of cotton candy in Lollipop Village, or whatever. So what gives? People say their pinkness results from a diet high in beta carotene and shrimp. Plus, the vibrant color attracts mates. But what about predators, dammit? And if, say, a swan’s diet were high in beta carotene and shrimp, would it turn pink? I don’t think so.

An original piece every day, and yes, they’re for sale. And they’re affordable: $99, which includes free first-class shipping. You can order on my Etsy store by clicking here. Check this blog every day (or the Etsy store) to see the new one. Each one will be 5″ by 7″ on sturdy illustration board.

Any birds you’d like to see painted? Let me know with a comment. Recent suggestions include birds of a feather, ducks on the pond, a bird in the hand and a Saint Louis cardinal. And of course, my take on all the birds from “The 12 Days of Xmas” (swans a-swimming, calling birds, French hens, etc.) are on their way, too.

Yesterday’s bird: “Java Drinkin’ Bird”