VENICE, Italy — The number of flamingos in the Venetian lagoon has reached unprecedented levels, underscoring the birds’ emergence as a notable presence in the region. Traditionally found nesting in countries like Spain and France, flamingos have been increasingly spotted in Venice since the early 2000s. Their appearance, once limited to the lagoon’s outer fishing valleys and mudflats, has now grown to include substantial flocks concentrated in the area.

Environmentalists attribute this trend to ongoing ecological restoration efforts aimed at rehabilitating the Venetian lagoon’s wetlands. These projects have improved the habitat conditions, expanding feeding grounds that appear suitable for the European flamingo’s needs. The gradual reintroduction of native plant species and the enhancement of water quality have contributed to creating a more hospitable environment for the birds.

Despite their growing numbers, flamingos remain largely absent from the densely trafficked historic center of Venice, where the network of canals and heavy tourism offer less favorable conditions. Their primary habitats remain in the less disturbed, peripheral areas of the lagoon.

The rise in flamingo populations in the Venetian lagoon reached a milestone last year, with a recorded peak of nearly 24,000 wintering birds. This increase has prompted discussions among conservationists about the possibility of flamingos eventually nesting in the lagoon, which would represent a significant expansion of their traditional breeding range.

Nonetheless, the local Venetian dialect notably lacks a specific term for flamingos, reflecting their relatively recent arrival and integration into the regional ecosystem. The birds are referred to by the Italian name “fenicotteri,” signaling their growing prominence in both the natural landscape and public consciousness.

The presence of flamingos in Venice is seen by experts as a promising indicator of the lagoon’s ecological health, as the species’ expanding range corresponds with improved environmental conditions. Continued monitoring will be essential to understanding how these changes affect the lagoon’s biodiversity and the potential for flamingos to establish breeding colonies in the future.