Extremely Rare Flamingo Sighting in Indiana – Why Are They So Far North?

I don't want to say that it has NEVER happened before, but I will go ahead and say that seeing a flamingo in Indiana is pretty much unheard of. Nonetheless, there have been several sightings of the typically tropical bird throughout the Hoosier state over the past few weeks.

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It's hard to believe, but it's true - Indiana is one of nearly a dozen states where flamingos have been spotted recently. Sightings have been reported in the town of Patriot, located along the Ohio River in Eastern Indiana - about three hours east of Evansville.

Why Are Flamingos Here in Indiana?

The word from officials is that this extremely rare flamingo behavior can be blamed on Hurricane Idalia, which seems to have displaced potentially hundreds of birds, pushing them way farther north than they are used to. So, keep an eye out, because you still might have the chance to see a flamingo, but the odds are getting smaller than they already were.

[h/t: wishtv.com]

Flamingo Fun Facts

• Flamingos are pink because of the food they eat. They consume plants and algae that produce natural pigments called carotenoids. As their body metabolizes the pigments, their feathers turn pink.
• Not all flamingos are pink (kinda, sorta). I think it's safe to say that all flamingos will eventually be pink, but not right away. Adult flamingos are pink, but the young ones are brown and white. They usually get that pink color in 2-3 years.
• What would you call a group of flamingos? It's not a flock, or group, or herd, or gaggle. A group of flamingos is called a "flamboyance." Isn't that perfect?