Say YES to the flamingo & scrub-jay as Florida's new state birds.

We have nothing against the northern mockingbird, but Florida is home to southern birds that would make more unique state birds.

The Northern mockingbird has been Florida's state bird since 1927. It is also currently the state bird of four states besides Florida: Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas. We believe Florida is too special to share its bird with any other states.

Instead, we believe Florida should say goodbye to the mockingbird and say hello to the American flamingo for state bird, and the Florida scrub-jay for state songbird.

My email to House Speaker Perez:

09/23/25 12:25 PM

To the Honorable Daniel Perez ;

Dear Mr. Speaker,

I'm writing to you today about House Bill 11, designating the American Flamingo as the state bird and the Florida Scrub-jay as the state songbird. While some may say that this bill is silly and is not worth your time to vote on, I would like to give you some reasons why I think this bill is important for you to vote YES on.

I am 14 years old, an active 4-Her, and a proud resident of the state of Florida. One of the many reasons I love living in Florida is for its unique ecosystems and wildlife. The Mockingbird has been the state bird for nearly 100 years and now it's time for birds more specific to Florida's habitats to shine!

The American Flamingo makes a better state bird because it represents the beauty of Florida's coastal ecosystems. The Florida Scrub-jay makes a perfect state songbird because of its unique call, and it only lives in the state of Florida. The Scrub-jay is dangerously endangered, so this designation of state songbird would raise awareness to protect its habitats.

I've made a website to explain more at: newbirdsforflorida.com.

Thank you for your time and please vote YES for Florida HB11!

Sincerely, Annika Baltzersen.

New Birds for Florida

Say YES to the flamingo & scrub-jay as Florida's new state birds.

Say YES to the flamingo & scrub-jay as Florida's new state birds.

Let me explain...

Out With The Old...

We have nothing against the northern mockingbird, but Florida is home to southern birds that would make more unique state birds.

The Northern mockingbird has been Florida's state bird since 1927. It is also currently the state bird of four states besides Florida: Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas. We believe Florida is too special to share its bird with any other states.

Instead, we believe Florida should say goodbye to the mockingbird and say hello to the American flamingo for state bird, and the Florida scrub-jay for state songbird.

...And In With the New

Florida State Bird: American Flamingo

Why does the American flamingo make a better state bird? It represents the beauty of Florida's ecosystems and coast. The American flamingos are most often seen in the southern part of the state, particularly in the Everglades, Florida Bay, and the Florida Keys.

Florida State Songbird: Florida Scrub-Jay

Why the Florida scrub-jay for state songbird? Because the scrub-jay is completely unique to Florida! It doesn't live anywhere else. It can be found in specific scrub habitats across central and southern Florida.

How can you help? Tell your Representative to vote YES on Florida HB 11!

What is Florida HB 11?

My email to House Speaker Perez:

Say YES to the flamingo & scrub-jay as Florida's new state birds.

Say YES to the flamingo & scrub-jay as Florida's new state birds.

Let me explain...

Out With The Old...

We have nothing against the northern mockingbird, but Florida is home to southern birds that would make more unique state birds.

The Northern mockingbird has been Florida's state bird since 1927. It is also currently the state bird of four states besides Florida: Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas. We believe Florida is too special to share its bird with any other states.

Instead, we believe Florida should say goodbye to the mockingbird and say hello to the American flamingo for state bird, and the Florida scrub-jay for state songbird.

...And In With the New

Florida State Bird: American Flamingo

Why does the American flamingo make a better state bird? It represents the beauty of Florida's ecosystems and coast. The American flamingos are most often seen in the southern part of the state, particularly in the Everglades, Florida Bay, and the Florida Keys.

Florida State Songbird: Florida Scrub-Jay

Why the Florida scrub-jay for state songbird? Because the scrub-jay is completely unique to Florida! It doesn't live anywhere else. It can be found in specific scrub habitats across central and southern Florida.

How can you help? Tell your Representative to vote YES on Florida HB 11!

What is Florida HB 11?

My email to House Speaker Perez:

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