State lawmaker propose a new state bird for Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Move over mockingbird. Here comes the flamingo.

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Rep. Jim Mooney, R-Islamorada, and Rep. Linda Chaney, R-St. Pete Beach, filed a bill (HB 753) this week that would designate the American flamingo as the Florida state bird.

The designation would take the place of the mockingbird, which was approved in 1927, according to the bill.

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The mockingbird is also the state bird for Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas.

Also known as a Florida year-round resident, the mockingbird fiercely protects its family nest, and is a talent of music and mimic.

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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said the flamingo was native to the state, but disappeared around the beginning of the 20th century.

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