Florida shares its state bird — the northern mockingbird — with four other states: Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas. Ron Magill, Goodwill Ambassador and Conservation Liaison for the Zoo Miami Foundation, thinks that's reason enough to make a change, and he's been campaigning for two years to install the American flamingo in the mockingbird's place.
The push has real legislative momentum behind it. A bill introduced by Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez would designate the flamingo as the official state bird while naming the Florida scrub jay as the state songbird — two birds that, as Magill points out, are uniquely tied to Florida among all U.S. states. The bill cleared the House with overwhelming support last session but stalled in the Senate, and advocates are doubling down ahead of the March legislative session.
The case for the flamingo goes beyond symbolism. The species was hunted to local extinction in the 1800s for its plumes and meat, but wild American flamingos have since returned to Florida on their own terms — nesting and staying year-round rather than simply passing through on migration routes. Visshaael Patel, Communications Manager at the Palm Beach Zoo, describes their return as a sign that conservation efforts, including the Everglades restoration project, are working.
Magill also argues the switch makes economic sense: many people already assume the flamingo is Florida's state bird, and an official designation could amplify tourism appeal, branding, and merchandising opportunities statewide. To build public support before March, he's organized outreach across radio, television, and community events, enlisted high-profile allies including authors Dave Barry and Carl Hiaasen, and is planning a statewide rally — even wrapping his vehicle in flamingo graphics for the road campaign.
This story was originally reported by WPBF 25 News.
