When we think of bird eggs, the colors that typically come to mind are white, brown, blue or even green. However, some rare bird species actually lay eggs in shades of pink! Discovering a pink egg in a nest can certainly be a surprising sight.
What Causes Pink Eggs?
So what makes some eggs turn pink? The main factor is the amount of pigment deposited as the shell forms. All birds have a gene for blue egg color from biliverdin, a pigment found in bile. Some species also have genetic mutations resulting in the addition of reddish-brown protoporphyrin pigment. When both pigments are present in an egg, the resulting color is pink or reddish-brown.
The amount of pigment deposition can vary from egg to egg, even for the same bird. More pigment leads to a darker or more saturated color. Diet can also affect the vividness of the egg color. For example, flamingos get their pink hue from carotenoids in the shrimp and algae they eat.
Bird Species Known for Pink Eggs
While the majority of birds lay white, brown or blue eggs, there are a handful of species around the world that regularly produce pink eggs. Some of the most notable include:
Coscoroba Swan
The coscoroba swan is a small waterfowl native to southern South America. It is white with a pink bill and feet. The female lays 3-7 eggs that are pale pinkish-white in color.
Chilean Flamingo
Flamingos are best known for their vibrant pink plumage. The Chilean flamingo also lays eggs that are light pink with white speckles. Parents build cone-shaped nest mounds from mud in shallow water.
Roseate Spoonbill
Found along the Gulf Coast and Southeastern U.S., the roseate spoonbill gets its name from its distinctive spoon-shaped beak. Its feathers are pink and white. True to its name, it lays eggs that are pale pink with darker pink splotches.
Pink-footed Goose
The pink-footed goose is a wild goose with a circumpolar arctic breeding range. As the name suggests, its legs and feet are pink. The female lays 3-5 eggs that vary from pale pink to darker reddish-brown.
Other Birds With Pinkish Eggs
In addition to the species highlighted above, there are a few other birds that may occasionally produce eggs with a pinkish tint:
- Scarlet ibis – Reddish-pink eggs with darker spots
- Eurasian spoonbill – Creamy pink eggs
- Chilean pintail – Pale pink eggs
- American avocet – Buff colored eggs sometimes with a pink tint
Why Do Birds Lay Colored Eggs?
Scientists aren’t entirely certain why some bird species lay colored eggs instead of the typical white or brown shades. Here are some of the leading theories on the purpose of egg coloration:
- Camouflage – Colored eggs can blend in better with the surroundings of the nest site, helping conceal them from predators.
- Recognition – A distinctive egg color helps parent birds identify their own eggs in the nest.
- Strengthened shell – Pigments like biliverdin have antimicrobial properties that may help protect the eggs.
- Attracting mates – For some species, vivid egg color may be a sexually selected trait that helps attract reproductive partners.
Faded Pink Eggs – What Causes It?
If you come across a pinkish egg that looks faded or milky, what causes this? There are a few reasons why pink egg color can appear diluted or washed out:
- Age – The naturally deposited pigments start to break down over time after the egg is laid.
- Sun exposure – UV radiation can bleach the pigment in the shell.
- Thin spots – Areas where the shell is thinner allow more light to pass through.
- Staining – Dirt, feces and other material on the shell can discolor the appearance.
Can You Eat Pink Eggs?
Pink eggs are just as edible as white chicken eggs. The color has no effect on the interior quality or taste – only the appearance of the shell is affected. However, most pink egg-laying birds are wild waterfowl not typically raised for egg consumption. But from a safety standpoint, a pink egg is fine to eat if you happen to come across one.
Selective Chicken Breeds
While pink eggs are rare overall in nature, chicken breeders have worked to select for the trait in certain breeds by crossing in genes from other species. Some chickens with a tendency towards pinkish eggs include:
Cream Legbar
This British breed occasionally lays pale blue or pinkish cream colored eggs. The Araucana chicken was crossed into the Legbar breed to introduce the blue egg gene.
Ameraucana
Developed in America, the Ameraucana breed can lay blue or green eggs. Some individuals exhibit a pinkish tint to their egg color.
Easter Egger
Easter egger is a catch-all term for any chicken exhibiting the blue egg gene. Their eggs can range from blue to green to pinkish.
Incubating Pink Eggs
If you are fortunate enough to have pink egg-laying birds in your flock, you may want to try incubating the eggs. Are there any special considerations when incubating pink eggs compared to regular chicken eggs? Here are a few tips:
- Incubation period – The number of days needed is generally the same (21 days for chickens).
- Hatchability – Colored eggs have slightly lower hatch rates, but still good viability overall.
- Light exposure – Avoid direct sunlight which can overheat and fade the shells.
- Egg turning – Follow standard turning schedules to prevent sticking.
- Humidity – Maintain proper humidity levels for the species.
Conclusion
While the vast majority of birds lay white, brown or blue eggs, a small number of wild species around the globe exhibit the unique trait of laying pretty pink eggs. The pink coloration comes from pigments like biliverdin and protoporphyrin deposited in the eggshell. While the reason behind pink eggs remains speculative, they certainly provide a colorful surprise for any lucky observer. From flamingos to swans, roseate spoonbills to pink-footed geese, pink eggs have popped up in the nests of several remarkable birds over the course of evolution.