The Miami-Dade County Commission unanimously approved legislation this Tuesday designating the American flamingo as its official bird, making this species an institutional symbol of the county for the first time in its history.
The measure was promoted by the commissioner of District 6, Natalie Milian Orbis, as reported by Telemundo 51.
In her statement, the commissioner noted:
"The American flamingo has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Miami-Dade County, appearing in art, tourism, branding, and popular culture for decades. By making it the official bird, we are honoring a species that has long been a part of our history."
After the vote, the commissioner expressed her enthusiasm for the outcome on X.
"As a sponsor of this unanimously approved legislation, I am proud to celebrate one of the most iconic native species of South Florida. More than just a beautiful bird, the American flamingo represents the natural beauty, history, and vibrant spirit that make our community a unique place," she wrote.
In a second post, he expanded on the identity argument:
"American flamenco is part of the history of Miami-Dade County, of our identity, and of the image we proudly share with the world. For generations, flamenco has represented the beauty, character, and uniqueness of our community."
"The American flamingo is now officially the bird of Miami-Dade County, a lasting symbol of the natural beauty, rich history, and unique heritage of South Florida," summarized the official graphic published by Commissioner Milian Orbis after the vote.
The voice of conservationism: Ron Magill
The conservationist Ron Magill, former spokesperson for Zoo Miami and current goodwill ambassador for the Zoo Miami Foundation, appeared before the commission to support the appointment with arguments that go beyond the symbolic.
"It represents how nature can return, how it can recover, when given the opportunity," Magill stated before the commissioners.
“If Florida wants to celebrate its great natural heritage, I can't think of a better ambassador than the greater flamingo,” he added, also pointing out that a state designation would bring additional environmental protections for the species.
A native species that nearly went extinct
The American flamingo has a turbulent history in Florida: it was commonly found in the wetlands of the southern state in the early 20th century, but indiscriminate hunting for its feathers during the 19th century nearly drove it to extinction.
A historical bond with Cuba is also part of this story.
In 1931, businessman Joseph Widener imported the first specimens from the Island for the Hialeah Park Race Track, where they successfully began nesting in 1937. By 2023, the count recorded 96 flamingos at that racetrack.
The most recent return came unexpectedly: in August 2023, Hurricane Idalia scattered flamingos—probably from Cuba, Mexico, and Yucatán—into South Florida, and many stayed.
Audubon Florida counted at least 101 specimens in February 2024, prompting researchers to discuss a potential recovery of the population.
County yes, state not yet
Despite local enthusiasm, the American flamingo is not the official bird of the state of Florida, a title still held by the northern mockingbird since 1927. A state bill approved by the Florida House of Representatives on February 11, 2026, with 112 votes in favor and only one against, aimed for that change, but it died in the Senate on March 13, 2026.
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