Animals create their colors through two main mechanisms: pigmentation and structural coloration. Pigments like melanin create browns and blacks, while carotenoids (often obtained from diet) produce bright yellows and reds. Some animals, like flamingos, get their pink color from eating carotenoid-rich organisms.
Structural coloration occurs when light interacts with microscopic structures in animals’ scales, feathers, or skin. This creates iridescent colors seen in peacock feathers and butterfly wings. The effect works similar to how soap bubbles create rainbow colors, through interference of light waves. Many animals combine both mechanisms – for example, birds often use both pigments and structural elements to create their distinctive plumage.