Astaxanthin is the carotenoid thought to be responsible for the pink feathers we see in gulls (McGraw, Hardy 2005). I've written on this subject in a previous
post, but I'm now wondering if this same carotenoid is responsible for the extra yellow/orange we see in bare parts.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiTh0wSj5bwI5-AkEANoJQFR5HE2CRoXb-WGvL6x5Ur-jjnts_C8Z_6EYdUP4ZJeg3H85Rcnuv7Ztz9wJro_obO4uEBPlV1uRuMYYxn5pAs6kxVgtuJrlfDXVfkCyYjrDPHOCBEi6X5Nv/s400/DSC_0786.JPG) |
Adult Ring-billed Gull. 25 March 2012. Chicago, IL.
Note the pink blemish on the face, neck and breast. |
Not only does this individual display pink in its plumage, but the bare parts are on hyper-orange!
Compare it to these ordinary March RBGUs:
It's curious to say the least...