8 Bird Lays Pink Eggs (Photo & Id)
Birds usually lay white, brown, or blue eggs, but sometimes, due to different factors like breed, genes, food, health, or age, they can lay pink ones. This special feature is found in some chickens, Tree Swallows, and Melodious Warblers.
What Causes Pink Eggs?
Wondered why some birds lay pink eggs? It’s due to genetics and environmental conditions. The color of these eggs often results from pigments and camouflage needs, creating rosy ovals in nature.
Types of Birds That Lay Pink Eggs:
- Chickens
3.1. Salmon Faverolles
3.2. Silkies
3.4. Light Sussex
3.5. Buff Orpington
3.6. Asil or Aseel - Tree Swallow
- Melodious Warbler
When people think of bird eggs, the colors that usually come to mind are white or brown. However, some birds indeed lay pink eggs, a less-known but equally fascinating fact. These unique-colored eggs are not just rare;
They’re a testament to nature’s variety. Among the types of birds known for producing pink eggs are certain breeds of chickens and some wild species, offering a glimpse into their life.
Breeds of chickens that lay pink eggs:
1. Chickens:
Chickens, renowned in egg production, can lay up to 250 eggs per year. This impressive number is because it takes a hen about 24-26 hours to create each egg. Additionally, hens have a natural downtime for molting, usually during the shorter days of fall, which temporarily pauses their egg-laying process.
The color of the eggs, varying from white and brown to occasionally pink, is determined by genetics, the health of the hen, and environmental conditions. This aspect of chickens showcases their diverse and adaptive nature in egg production.
- Scientific name: Gallus gallus domesticus
- Length: 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm) in length.
- Weight: 6.5 to 8 pounds (around 3 to 3.6 kg)
Egg size:
| Egg Size | Length (inches/cm) | Width (inches/cm) |
| Small | 1.75 in / 4.4 cm | 1.3 in / 3.3 cm |
| Medium | 1.9 in / 4.8 cm | 1.4 in / 3.6 cm |
| Large | 2 in / 5.1 cm | 1.5 in / 3.8 cm |
| Extra-Large | 2.1 in / 5.3 cm | 1.6 in / 4.1 cm |
| Jumbo | >2.2 in / >5.6 cm | 1.7 in / 4.3 cm |
0.1. Salmon Faverolles:
The Salmon Faverolles, a breed that originated in France, is distinguished by its pinkish-salmon tinge on its feathers. These lively and somewhat noisy chickens were initially bred by farmers for their meat and good egg production qualities.
On average, a Salmon Faverolles hen can lay about 4 eggs per week, totaling around 180-200 eggs each year. The eggs of this breed are notable for their usually pinkish color, making them a unique choice among poultry enthusiasts.
- Scientific name: Gallus gallus domesticus
- Length: 18 – 20 in (46 – 51 cm)
- Weight: Hen -104 oz (6.5lb) and Rooster – 128 oz (8lb)
- Egg size: Approximately 1.75 – 2 in (4.4 – 5.1 cm )
1.2. Silkies:
Silkies are a truly unique and adorable breed of chicken, easily recognizable by their fluffy feathers. Often raised for their ornamental value, they are also capable of egg production. Surprisingly, Silkies can lay about 100 small pink bird eggs each year.
If you’re looking for a breed that not only produces cute chicks but also adds a splash of color to the egg basket, Silkies might be the perfect choice. Their distinct appearance and egg-laying capability make them a favorite among poultry enthusiasts.
- Scientific name: Gallus gallus domesticus
- Length: 8 – 12 in (20 – 30 cm)
- Weight: Approximately Males – 64 oz (4 Ib), and Females – 48 oz (3 lb)
- Egg size: Approximately 1.25 -1.5 in (3.2 – 3.8 cm).
1.3. Light Sussex:
The Light Sussex, an English breed of chicken, is highly valued for both its meat and egg production. These birds exhibit a variety of colors, including brown, buff, light red, and silver. They are known for their docile nature and being easy to care for.
Light Sussex hens are excellent egg layers, producing large-size eggs that may appear in shades of cream to pink. On average, they can lay around 220-240 large eggs per year, making them a prolific and colorful addition to any poultry farm.
- Scientific name: Gallus gallus domesticus
- Length: 7 pounds
- Weight: 4.1 kg and hens about 3.2 kg
- Egg size: 4 eggs per week
1.4. Buff Orpington:
The Buff Orpington, an ancient breed of chicken developed in the 1880s by an Englishman named William Cook, is celebrated for its large size and beautiful buff-colored feathers. These chickens are not just valued for meat production; their hens are also great egg layers.
They are known for producing large eggs that can range in color from brown to pink. On average, a Buff Orpington can lay anywhere from 200 to 280 eggs per year, making them a productive and visually appealing breed in the poultry world.
3.6. Asil or Aseel:
The Asil or Aseel, a breed of chicken that hails from the Indian subcontinent, was originally bred for gaming purposes. Beyond their historical use, these chickens are recognized for their ability to produce eggs, albeit in smaller quantities compared to other breeds.
A typical hen from this breed can lay around 40-70 eggs per year, with the eggs often displaying a brown to light pink hue. While they may not be the most prolific egg layers, the Asil or Aseel stands out as a unique and fascinating breed to own.
2. Tree Swallow :
The Tree Swallow, a migratory species prevalent in North America, is known for its distinctive metallic blue color on the dorsal parts and white underparts. These birds, during their nesting period, lay pink eggs that transform to pure white after about four days.
A Tree Swallow typically produces a clutch of two to eight eggs and has one to two broods per year, with an incubation period of 11 to 20 days.
- Scientific name: Tachycineta bicolor
- Length: 7 – 5.9 in (12-15 cm)
- Weight: 0.6 – 0.9 oz (16-25 gm)
- Egg size: 0.7- 0.8 in (1.7-2 cm)
3. Melodious Warbler:
The Melodious Warbler, a medium-sized passerine with brown and yellow plumage, belongs to the Old World Warblers group. These birds primarily breed between May and July, often building nests in trees or shrubs.
Known for their migratory nature, they travel between Western Europe and North Africa during the breeding season. The female Melodious Warbler is remarkable for laying pink, speckled eggs. She typically produces four to five eggs per clutch and sits on them for an incubation period of 12-13 days.
- Scientific name: Hippolais polyglotta
- Length: 4.7 – 5.1 in (12 – 13 cm)
- Weight: 0.35 -0.45 oz (10 – 13 gm)
- Egg size: 0.4 – 0.5 in (1 – 1.2 cm )
FAQs
Q: What animals have pink eggs?
A: Apart from birds, other animals like the freshwater snail Ampullariidae also lay pink eggs.
In the bird kingdom, apart from the ones mentioned above, there are other species that lay pink eggs, showcasing the diversity in egg colors in the animal kingdom.
Q: Can bluebird eggs be pink?
A: Yes, while bluebirds are known for their characteristic blue eggs, there are instances where they can lay pink eggs, adding a variation to their egg color palette.
Q: Why are eggs pink?
A: The pink color in eggs is primarily due to genetic factors and the pigmentation process that occurs in the hen’s oviduct, resulting in a range of colors including pink.
Q: Does the nest location influence the egg color?
A: Yes, the nest location can influence the egg color, with birds nesting on trees tending to lay green or blue eggs, showcasing a fascinating interplay between nesting habits and egg colors.
Q: Are there other birds that lay pink eggs?
A: Yes, apart from the ones detailed in the article, there are other birds with this rare trait, making the phenomenon of pink eggs a rare but existing trait in the avian world.
Conclusion:
As we finish learning about birds with pink eggs, we’re amazed by the colorful egg world. Chickens and melodious warblers have their own stories, adding pink shades to nature. Let’s share this wonder with others, enjoying birds and their special eggs.
