Wading Birds are a symbol of Florida. Here’s why they’re also so important to the state

Survivors of the “plume trade” that decimated bird species, the wading bird is a symbol of Florida valued not just by birdwatchers.

But just how important are they? To find out, the Herald - in collaboration with Florida International University’s Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media - followed Tropical Audubon field trip leader Luis Gonzalez on an early morning birdwatching tour through the marshy grass of Highland Oaks Park – where visitors to the park just northeast of Aventura saw over 50 species of birds.

How do wading birds act as indicators for our drinking water?

Luis Gonzalez: We get all our drinking water from the Everglades, and wading birds are animals that heavily depend on the water level and the balance of the whole ecosystem that maintains the Everglades.

If you see a lot of wading birds, that means that the water level is just right: It’s not too deep, it’s not too shallow, they have access to food, and can survive. So by knowing where they are, we can tell if the water level is proper for us to drink, and if the nurseries for the fish that we eat are there, as a lot of these birds are actively foraging for small fish.

What role do wading birds play in Everglades restoration?

Luis Gonzalez: Breeding season is from early January to May, depending on where you are in Florida. Every year, the survey by the South Florida Water Management District and Audubon Florida examines the main rookeries in the state.

They do a rough estimate of how many wading birds are actively nesting, and compare that data with previous years.

In the last couple of years, we’ve had an uptick for certain species like the roseate spoonbill and the wood stork. Those are very good indicators for the Everglades because those are some of the more sensitive species to the overall health of the ecosystem.

How much does the wading bird contribute to tourism in the state?

Luis Gonzalez: Every year we get hundreds, if not, thousands of people coming to South Florida exclusively to see the birds. They add to the economy. It might not be as obvious as fishing or some other activities like the Miami night life, but wading birds bring a whole community and demographic of folks.

The foundation for Everglades National Park was based on the idea that it was for the conservation of nature.

It was seeing those rookeries of hundreds of thousands of egrets and herons, spoonbills and storks, flying in and out of the mangroves in the early and late hours of the day. It was that image that founded our park.

This Q&A has been edited for brevity and clarity. It was produced as part of a partnership between the Florida International University Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media and the Miami Herald. Anthony Cruz is an FIU journalism student.

This climate report is funded by Florida International University, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the David and Christina Martin Family Foundation in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald retains editorial control of all content.

This story is part of a periodic Miami Herald series where we answer reader questions about climate change and the environment. Send us yours at climate@miamiherald.com.

This story was originally published September 28, 2025 at 11:24 AM.