Florida lawmakers are poised to revisit the debate over the state bird, potentially replacing the northern mockingbird, which has held the title since 1927.
Rep. Jim Mooney, R-Islamorada, has introduced a bill (HB 81) proposing the American flamingo as the new state bird. The bill also seeks to designate the Florida scrub jay, a species unique to the state, as the official state songbird.
This isn’t the first attempt to make such changes; similar proposals in recent years have failed. Former NRA lobbyist Marion Hammer has been a notable defender of the mockingbird’s status.
However, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto has expressed support for a change, emphasizing the need for a bird that better represents Florida’s uniqueness. “Five other states share the mockingbird as their state bird,” Barreto noted, urging a fresh selection.
The legislative session begins March 4, when lawmakers will again consider this symbolic shift. The decision could spotlight Florida’s diverse wildlife and reflect a deeper connection to its natural identity.