Manitoba Falcon Cam Forum

The Project => Ask the Peregrine Chick => Topic started by: RCF on June 01, 2010, 21:41

Title: Blue vs Yellow Foot Colour
Post by: RCF on June 01, 2010, 21:41
This isn't a technical question, but why do some chicks have yellow or blue legs?
Title: Re: Blue vs Yellow Foot Colour
Post by: The Peregrine Chick on June 01, 2010, 21:46
This isn't a technical question, but why do some chicks have yellow or blue legs?

Technical questions aren't required here, just common at this time of year ...

Leg colour is a function of diet.  Captive-bred chicks which are fed a less "wild" diet tend not to get their yellow legs until they are hack released or in the case of falconry, until they are older and eating what they catch.  Wild chicks can have a range while in the nest, but once they start hunting on their own, even the most "blue" legs will turn yellow.
Title: Re: Blue vs Yellow Foot Colour
Post by: RCF on June 01, 2010, 23:07
Thank you, I suppose its kind of the same thing with flamingo's who eat a certain algae that makes their feathers pink.