FFWG ADVOCACY
Native. Iconic. Unmistakably Florida.
We support recognizing the American flamingo as Florida’s official state bird.
The American flamingo is deeply connected to Florida’s natural and cultural heritage. Once driven from much of its historic range, the species is appearing in Florida again—offering a powerful symbol of resilience, recovery, and the importance of protecting our wetlands and coastal ecosystems.
The Florida Flamingo Working Group supports recognizing the American flamingo as Florida’s official state bird.
Why the American Flamingo?
It is native to Florida.
Historical accounts, museum specimens, and modern scientific research support the American flamingo’s natural occurrence in Florida. Today’s sightings are part of a larger story of movement and recovery throughout the Caribbean and Gulf region.
It represents Florida.
Few animals are as closely associated with Florida’s identity, landscapes, and culture. The flamingo is recognized around the world as an enduring symbol of the state.
It connects people with conservation.
Flamingos depend on healthy shallow wetlands, estuaries, mudflats, mangroves, and coastal habitats. Recognizing the species can help build public support for protecting the ecosystems that flamingos—and many other species—need to survive.
It tells a story of resilience.
The flamingo’s return reminds us that wildlife can recover when habitat is protected, scientific research is supported, and people work together.
Recognizing Two Remarkable Florida Birds
The 2026 legislative proposal would have designated:
- The American flamingo as Florida’s official state bird
- The Florida scrub-jay as Florida’s official state songbird
Together, these birds represent two distinctive parts of Florida’s natural heritage: its wetlands and coastal ecosystems, and its unique scrub habitats.
2026 Legislative Update
During Florida’s 2026 legislative session, House Bill 11 and Senate Bill 150 proposed recognizing the American flamingo as the state bird and the Florida scrub-jay as the state songbird.
House Bill 11 passed the Florida House and was sent to the Senate, where it died in the Rules Committee on March 13, 2026. Senate Bill 150 received a 6–0 vote from the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, then died in the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government on March 13, 2026.
Because the legislation did not receive final approval, the northern mockingbird remains Florida’s official state bird. The campaign to recognize the American flamingo continues.
View House Bill 11
View Senate Bill 150
What Recognition Could Accomplish
Designating the American flamingo as Florida’s state bird could:
- Celebrate a native species with a remarkable Florida history
- Increase awareness of flamingo research and conservation
- Highlight the importance of wetlands and coastal habitats
- Encourage public participation in reporting flamingo sightings
- Strengthen Florida’s identity as a leader in wildlife conservation
- Inspire future generations to value and protect the state’s natural heritage
How You Can Help
Contact your state legislators.
Let them know that you support recognizing the American flamingo as Florida’s official state bird.
Share accurate information.
Help others understand that American flamingos occur naturally in Florida and are part of the state’s ecological history.
Invite organizations to participate.
Schools, conservation organizations, businesses, local governments, and community groups can help raise awareness and express support.
Support flamingo research.
Report sightings, contribute photographs and observations, and help researchers learn more about flamingo movements and habitat use.
Follow the campaign.
Contact us to ask about legislative updates, campaign news, educational resources, and opportunities to take action.
Ask about the campaign · Find your state senator · Explore research and resources
Florida Already Knows the Flamingo. It Is Time to Recognize It.
By making the American flamingo Florida’s official state bird, we can celebrate the state’s natural history while building greater support for the wetlands, wildlife, and wild places that define Florida.