Flamingos are present in the Everglades. These iconic birds, known for their vibrant pink plumage, are increasingly observed in the region. Their re-emergence marks a development for the Everglades ecosystem.
A Historical Look
Flamingos once thrived in Florida, including the Everglades, with historical accounts describing flocks numbering in the hundreds to thousands during the 19th century. Naturalists like John James Audubon observed these large groups in areas such as the Florida Keys and Cape Sable. Their populations declined by the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Extensive hunting was the primary reason for this near disappearance. Flamingos were targeted for their vibrant feathers, highly prized for the fashion industry, particularly for adorning women’s hats. This “plume trade” led to the decimation of many wading bird species, including flamingos. They were also hunted for their meat and eggs. By around 1900, Florida’s native flamingo population was effectively wiped out.
Current Presence
Flamingos are increasingly sighted in the Everglades. In July 2025, avian ecologist Mark Cook spotted a flock of approximately 125 American flamingos along the Florida Bay coastline, the largest group seen in South Florida in over a decade. Another observation in 2014 recorded 147 flamingos in a northern Everglades stormwater treatment area.
American flamingos ( _Phoenicopterus ruber_ ), also known as Caribbean flamingos, are the species typically seen in the region. These birds are frequently observed in the Everglades, Biscayne Bay, and the Florida Keys, and in shallow treatment wetlands along the northern edge of the Everglades. While nesting has not been widely documented in Florida since the early 1900s, their continued presence suggests a positive trend.
Understanding Their Return
The re-emergence of flamingos in the Everglades involves several factors, including a long-standing debate about their native status. For many years, sightings were attributed to escapees from captive populations, such as those at Hialeah Park Race Track. However, evidence now supports that wild flamingos are naturally recolonizing Florida from Caribbean populations.
A 2018 study, analyzing historical records and museum specimens, concluded that flamingos are likely native to Florida and were historically present in large flocks. This research suggests recent increases in sightings are best explained by immigration from expanding Caribbean nesting populations, rather than merely escaped birds. Hurricanes, such as Idalia in 2023, have also displaced hundreds of flamingos from nesting grounds in Mexico and Cuba, with many remaining in Florida.
The Everglades provides suitable habitat for flamingos, characterized by shallow brackish waters, mudflats, and saline lagoons. Their diet consists primarily of algae, crustaceans like brine shrimp, and other small aquatic invertebrates, which contribute to their distinctive pink coloration. Ongoing Everglades restoration efforts, aimed at improving water flow and habitat quality, are also creating more welcoming conditions for these birds.