MIAMI (AP) – Miami is home to a wide variety of wild birds, including flamingos, pelicans, herons, and parrots. However, in recent years, it has been the roosters, hens, and baby chicks that have taken center stage in the city. These fowl families have adapted well to both residential neighborhoods—like Little Havana, Little Haiti, and Wynwood—and the high-rises and government buildings in downtown Miami. While the crowing of roosters can be perceived as a nuisance by some residents, many have embraced them as an unofficial mascot of the city.
Paul George, the resident historian at HistoryMiami Museum, emphasizes the cultural significance of these chickens to the local population, particularly among those with roots in rural Cuba and other parts of Latin America. Historically, domesticated birds were kept in backyards, but George has observed feral chickens roaming public spaces over the past two decades. This shift reflects the enduring connection that many Miami residents feel towards the chickens, which are reminiscent of their upbringing.
The wild chickens have gained prominence in Florida cities such as Key West, Tampa, and St. Augustine, as well as in other major U.S. metropolitan areas including New Orleans, Houston, and Los Angeles. However, it was in Little Havana that these birds became a true symbol in 2002 when six-foot fiberglass rooster statues began popping up outside shops and restaurants along Calle Ocho, which translates to Eighth Street. This initiative aimed to celebrate the local culture, and two decades later, dozens of these colorful statues, created by the late artist Pedro Damián, continue to attract tourists who seek fun photo opportunities.
Jakelin Llaguna, the owner of Little Havana Visitors Center, a souvenir shop along Calle Ocho, notes that the community has generally welcomed the roosters. She explains that locals don’t mind if the birds wander through their backyards or front lawns, seeing them as part of the neighborhood's charm. Llaguna highlights how the roosters' crowing at sunrise symbolizes renewal and reflects the new beginnings that many Cuban immigrants experienced upon settling in Little Havana after fleeing the Cuban Revolution.
In the store, an array of rooster-themed merchandise—ranging from shirts to magnets—demonstrates the popularity of these birds among visitors. Llaguna mentions that tourists often want to take home a piece of this unique experience, making the rooster a memorable memento of their time in the area.
Despite their popularity, the future of the feral roosters could be in jeopardy. Competition may arise from invasive peacocks that have been seen in nearby communities such as Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. Paul George warns of the peacocks' aggressive nature and disruptive behavior, pointing out their larger size compared to chickens, and the potential for noise disturbances.
Beyond the competition with peacocks, there is growing concern that development and gentrification in older neighborhoods may threaten the chickens’ existence. George fears that as older homes are replaced with luxury condos selling for over $1 million, new homeowners may prefer not to tolerate the noise created by roosters. He anticipates increased pressure for code enforcement from residents who may not share the community's fondness for the birds.
The legal status of roaming chickens remains a complex issue, as both Miami and Miami-Dade County have ordinances that regulate or even ban live poultry in residential areas. Nonetheless, the birds appear to thrive downtown, where they freely roam among offices, parks, and courthouses. City and county officials have characterized the presence of these chickens as a code compliance challenge, referring inquiries to the existing live animal regulations.
Little Havana resident Donato Ramos Martínez enjoys the company of the roosters and even feeds them at the Bay of Pigs Monument along Calle Ocho. He appreciates their ability to wake people up with their crowing and believes they draw tourists of all ages who eagerly photograph the vibrant birds. Despite some opposition, Ramos Martínez expresses confusion over why anyone would want to eliminate the chickens from the streets, emphasizing their role as a beloved part of the community.
