Real Pink Flamingos Return to South Florida, Courtesy of Hurricanes

The pink flamingo: a staple of Florida kitsch, and yet, a bird that had all but vanished from the state’s shores. That is, until now.

Real pink flamingos have been spotted in South Florida

Pink Flamingos: A Beloved Icon of the Sunshine State

Pink flamingos have been a beloved icon of Florida since the 1950s, when Elvis’ sleek, Pink Flamingo Cadillac captured the hearts of the nation. And let’s not forget the infamous plastic pink flamingo lawn ornaments, which have been a staple of tacky yard decor for decades.

But, as we all know, the real pink flamingos were hunted to the brink of extinction in Florida for the plume trade. A few stragglers remained, hidden away in the Everglades, while the majority migrated to Cuba, Mexico, and the Yucatan Peninsula.

Hurricanes Bring Unexpected Guests

But, in a surprise twist, Hurricane Idalia and Hurricane Ian have brought these birds back to South Florida. According to Jerry Lorenz of the Florida Audubon, this event is unprecedented. “We’re talking more than 100 flamingos here,” he said. “Will they stay? Will they leave? We want to know.”

And, it seems, some of them have already made themselves at home. Nearly two dozen pink flamingos have been spotted in Pine Island, with many more throughout South Florida.

A Sign of Success in Everglades Restoration?

The fact that these flamingos have stayed put, even after the hurricanes have passed, suggests that efforts to restore the Everglades are working. “It’s hard to talk about the Everglades in 2024 without talking about flamingos,” said Zambello, an expert in the field. “We were excited to see that some of the Hurricane Idalia flamingos seem to have stuck around.”

What does this mean for the future of pink flamingos in Florida? Only time will tell, but for now, we can bask in the glory of these majestic birds.

 Iconic photo of pink flamingos huddled in a bathroom during Hurricane Floyd

Read more about the return of pink flamingos to Florida, and what it means for the state’s ecosystem. Is it time to make the flamingo Florida’s state bird?