Pink Flamingos Make a Surprise Return to South Florida

Florida’s favorite color is pink, and it’s not just because of the cheesy, plastic lawn ornaments or Elvis’s sleek, Pink Flamingo Cadillac. The real pink flamingos are back, and they’re making a splash in South Florida.

From Extinction to Invasion

A century ago, pink flamingos were hunted to the brink of extinction in Florida for the plume trade. The few that remained were tucked away in the Everglades, rarely seen. But the population outside of America rebounded, and now hundreds of thousands are estimated in colonies throughout the Caribbean.

Hurricanes Bring a Surprise

Hurricanes Idalia and Ian brought more than just destruction to South Florida. They also brought a surprise invasion of pink flamingos. Hundreds of them were blown off-course, landing in the state, and some have stayed. In fact, nearly two dozen pink flamingos have made Pine Island their new home.

“This event is unprecedented,” said Jerry Lorenz, who tracks the pink flamingos for Florida Audubon. “We’re talking more than 100 flamingos here. Will they stay? Will they leave? We want to know.”

Bird-Watching Community Takes Notice

Southwest Florida’s passionate bird-watching community grew concerned when their favorite species failed to reappear after Hurricane Ian. But it turns out, the birds were just in different places. Ornithologists don’t know how birds sense when a big storm is coming, but they have developed extraordinary abilities to survive hurricanes over millions of years.

The abilities that shorebirds have developed to survive hurricanes over millions of years are extraordinary, or they wouldn’t exist. - Audrey Albrecht, shorebird biologist

A Positive Sign of Adaptation

The resurgence of pink flamingos in Florida is a positive sign of adaptation to changing environmental conditions. The birds’ pink coloration is due to their diet rich in beta-carotene, a red-orange pigment found in blue-green algae, brine fly larvae, and brine shrimp. If they ate other things, they would be dull gray.

Birds are a key species that let humans know if their habitats are healthy. If pink flamingos remain in Florida, it’s a positive indicator that they once again have enough food and intact wetlands to survive. - Erika Zambello, Audubon Florida spokeswoman

A Symbol of Hope

The return of the pink flamingos is a symbol of hope for the restoration of the Everglades. Efforts made to restore the River of Grass are working, and the birds are a key indicator of the ecosystem’s health.

It’s hard to talk about the Everglades in 2024 without talking about flamingos. - Erika Zambello, Audubon Florida spokeswoman

Pink flamingos huddled in a bathroom during Hurricane Floyd in 1999.

Pink flamingos in love.