The American or Caribbean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) is present in the Bahamas, representing one of the country’s most spectacular natural phenomena. This striking bird, with its vibrant coral-pink plumage, is recognized as the national bird, underscoring its cultural and environmental importance. Its thriving population today is the result of decades of conservation work. The story of its recovery from near-extinction is a celebrated chapter in Bahamian history, setting the stage for its continued protection and management across the archipelago.
The Confirmed Presence and National Significance
The history of the Bahamian flamingo population is one of dramatic decline followed by remarkable recovery. By the early 1900s, the species faced a severe crisis, primarily due to indiscriminate hunting for their meat and feathers. The collection of eggs from nesting sites and disturbance by feral hogs also contributed to the dwindling numbers. By the 1950s, only a few thousand birds remained, concentrated in a single, vulnerable colony on Great Inagua.
Conservation efforts began with the National Audubon Society, which located the remaining flocks and helped establish the Society for the Protection of the Flamingo. When the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) was founded in 1959, it assumed responsibility for safeguarding this fragile population. The BNT’s successful management led to the population’s rebound, cementing the flamingo’s status as the national bird. This designation reflects the bird’s economic and cultural value, appearing frequently on Bahamian currency and serving as an icon for the nation’s ecotourism industry.
The Primary Habitat: Inagua National Park
The vast majority of the Caribbean Flamingo population in the Bahamas resides in the Inagua National Park on Great Inagua Island. This island hosts the world’s largest breeding colony of this species. Population estimates within the park fluctuate between 50,000 and 80,000 birds.
The park’s unique ecology provides the perfect breeding and feeding grounds. Central to this habitat is Lake Rosa (also known as Lake Windsor), a permanent, hypersaline body of water. The high salinity in these shallow lakes and mudflats supports a dense population of brine shrimp and other aquatic organisms. This primary food source gives the flamingos their characteristic deep pink coloration. The entire park, established in 1965, is recognized internationally as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.
Viewing Flamingos Safely and Ethically
Great Inagua is the primary destination for visitors, though it requires dedicated travel planning. The BNT manages the Inagua National Park and its resident warden team oversees access to the flamingo nesting areas. Visitors must secure the services of a local guide to enter the park, as the terrain is remote and the environment requires careful navigation.
The requirement for a guide helps enforce ethical viewing practices to avoid disturbance. Historically, low-flying aircraft caused flocks to scatter and abandon nesting attempts, leading to a restricted no-fly zone over the park below 2,000 feet. Visitors on the ground are advised to maintain distance from the flocks, especially during nesting season, to ensure the birds can feed and breed without stress. While Inagua hosts the main colony, smaller, non-breeding flocks may occasionally be spotted on other islands like Andros, Acklins, and Mayaguana.