See Why Flamingos Are Suddenly Popping Up in Kentucky… Yes, Kentucky!

Hurricane Idalia left an unexpected guest at Cave Run Lake just south of Morehead in Kentucky. This lone, displaced bird is one of several that have been found in the eastern region of the U.S. following the hurricane. First, flamingos showed up in Florida but last weekend, there were sightings of more flamingos in Ohio, Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

This is a welcome event for birders who can appreciate the rare sightings of flamingo flamboyances. The storm was sure to bring varying species, but flamingos weren’t expected.

The displacement of birds following a natural disaster is common but the sheer number of flamingos across the eastern U.S. is noteworthy. Kentucky was not about to be left out of the craze. The question on most people’s minds is what happens to these displaced birds — especially the lone one in the Bluegrass State?

John Brunjes, Migratory Bird Program Controller at the Department of Fish and Wildlife, spoke with ABC 36 to explain what occurred and what the next steps are. He explained that as the hurricane passed over the Yucatan of Mexico, the flamingos were picked up and carried inland. They kept showing up further north and Brunjes jokingly wondered if one might make it all the way over to Kentucky. Alas, one did!

That sole flamingo is in good health and ready to take the trek back home.

Where Do Flamingos Live?

There are different types of flamingos that inhabit different regions of the world. For example, The Caribbean flamingo, also known as the American flamingo, is native to the Caribbean and Mexico as well as the furthest northern region of South America.

Greater and lesser flamingos inhabit Africa but also call the Middle East home. In South America, there are three types of flamingos, including Andean, Chilean, and James’s flamingos. These birds flock to lagoon environments as well as large lakes without great depth. They like a salty environment where they can snack on small crustaceans and algae.

Flamingo Population: How Many Are Left in the World?

According to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, there are over 200,000 Caribbean flamingos living in the wild. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there are between 260,000 and 330,000 mature American flamingos. Flamingos are a protected native species under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and though survey efforts have been inconsistent, the available data points to a balanced and positive flamingo population.