These flamingos, likely escapees from a private collection rather than local zoological institutions, have been frequenting the area near the Silver Strand, Coronado Cays, and Imperial Beach for about six years, bringing a colorful addition to San Diego’s coastal wildlife. Flamingos are not native to San Diego, as their natural habitats are typically found in the Caribbean, the Yucatan Peninsula, and South America.
Floyd, believed to be the first of the two to arrive, was seen as early as 2018, marked by a band on one leg - a possible indicator of past captivity. These birds, standing up to 4.5 feet tall with wingspans reaching 3.5 feet, feed on local algae, brine shrimp, and other small invertebrates, which provide the carotenoid pigments that turn their feathers a signature pink hue. The marshlands at the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, which have been carefully restored for various migratory and endangered species, have also become a reliable food source for the flamingos.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, while unsure of the flamingos' exact origin, has welcomed the colorful birds, as have Coronado residents who have even organized "pink flamingo" gatherings in their honor. Spotting the flamingos can be a challenge, as they often reside in areas closed to the public to protect other local seabirds. However, sightings have been reported along the Bayshore Bikeway and the Bayside Birding and Walking Trail in Imperial Beach.
While some locals hold out hope for a flamingo family, experts note that breeding in the wild remains unlikely, as it typically occurs in specific environmental conditions found in their native habitats. Nevertheless, Floyd and Flo continue to enchant the San Diego community, offering an unusual glimpse of tropical color in the coastal marshes.
Photos by Joshua Rittenberry Photography. Originally published on October 25, 2024.
