A Beautiful Swarm Of Pink Flamingos Is Flocking To This Surprising Beach

You don’t have to be a keen birdwatcher to enjoy the spectacle of a flock of brilliant pink flamingos, and now you can see them in a surprising new location.

Flamingo Populations Around the World

There are large colonies of the striking birds in India, the western Mediterranean and various countries throughout Africa. In the Americas, travellers can see flamingos on the Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia, while other significant colonies can be found in Venezuela, Colombia and Cuba.

Yucatan Peninsula Gets a New Flamboyance

Another place you can see flamingos is in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. Locals report that flamboyances – yes, that’s really the collective noun for flamingos – are usually found near Uaymitun, Isla Holbox and Rio Lagartos. However, a new population started to form in summer 2017 around the port city of Progreso, north of Merida.

According to reports, the pink birds arrived in search of a new food source and alighted upon the mangroves near the beach. Not only is this a new location for flamingos, but it’s also easy to visit. The mangroves are found just 20 metres (66 feet) from a road, and it’s now possible to drive right up to see the birds.

Spend Some Time in Merida After Seeing the Birds

Flamboyances vary greatly in size, but they can grow to include thousands of birds. You can also see a large group in nearby Celestun, home to the River Celestun Biosphere Reserve. Both of these sites are within easy reach of the city of Merida, capital of the Yucatan province in Mexico.

The city is easy to reach from destinations across Mexico and the region, thanks to an international airport. Merida has been named the American Capital of Culture 2017, so it’s a great time to visit this colonial city. There is an extensive program of cultural events that you can take in before or after visiting the birds, to see the natural beauty of the region.

There are always flamingos in the Yucatan, but they move location depending on the season. Most of the time, they are found in mangrove forests in the fall and winter months, before moving to sandy beaches such as Rio Lagartos in the spring and summer.

Have you spotted this Chicago flamingo?

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.