The flamingo is in the running to replace the mockingbird as Florida’s state bird

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Two American flamingos tussle in their exhibit space at Zoo Miami, in 2016. The flamingo is one of several birds being considered for a new Florida state bird to replace the mockingbird.

Wilfredo Lee/AP

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Wilfredo Lee/AP

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The scrub jay is another contender for the Florida state bird.

Nancy Glickman via AP

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Nancy Glickman via AP

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An osprey keeps an eye on a chick in its nest at the Kennedy Space Center in 2012. The osprey is also being considered as a replacement for the mockingbird as the Florida state bird.

John Raoux/AP

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John Raoux/AP

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A roseate spoonbill searches for food in a shallow wetland near Fort Myers, Fla., on Oct. 29, 2019. The roseate spoonbill is one of several birds being considered for a new state bird.

Robert F. Bukaty/AP

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Robert F. Bukaty/AP

A roseate spoonbill searches for food in a shallow wetland near Fort Myers, Fla., on Oct. 29, 2019. The roseate spoonbill is one of several birds being considered for a new state bird.

Robert F. Bukaty/AP

The roseate spoonbill, like the flamingo a large, pink wading bird, is more widespread in the state and is not listed as threatened. They have unique rounded bills used for scooping food in shallow waters and usually live near shorelines or on islands.

To Julie Wraithmell, executive director of Audubon Florida, any debate about Florida birds is a good thing — especially if it raises consciousness about what’s needed to protect them such as habitat conservation, water quality improvements and Everglades restoration.

«Being the state bird doesn’t confer any protection on the bird. We just get excited when people are talking about it and acknowledge how integral birds are to our quality of life in Florida,» Wraithmell said. «We’re hoping that through these conversations, people will want to get more involved.»

The future of the mockingbird will likely be debated during the 2022 Florida legislative session that begins Jan. 11.

There is precedent for states switching their honorary state animals, including birds: In 1948, South Carolina shifted from the mockingbird to the Carolina thrush. Brandes said it’s time for Florida to also find a new feathered friend.

«Why does the northern mockingbird make sense in the southernmost state?» he said. «I think it’s a bird that doesn’t make sense for Florida.»