What is Madison’s official city bird?

Phoenicopterus plasticus. Or, in layman’s terms, a pink, plastic flamingo. On September 1, 2009, the Madison City Council voted to make that particular variety of flamingo the city’s official bird If you don’t know UW–Madison’s history with flamboyant lawn décor, this may seem like an odd selection. But the fake version of a bird that has nothing to do with Wisconsin was actually the most natural choice. For one, you’re more likely to see a plastic flamingo than a real, live one this far north. (Unless a flock gets lost in Lake Michigan again.) More importantly, plastic flamingos played a starring role in one of the most iconic pranks pulled by Pail and Shovel, a student government party that won power in 1978 by promising lots of shenanigans. True to the party’s campaign platform, leaders James Mallon ’79 and Leon Varjian rang in the fall semester by planting 1,008 plastic flamingos on Bascom Hill on September 4, 1979. The stunt inspired a city-wide appreciation for the kitschy creatures, which now feature prominently in WAA’s annual Fill the Hill event, local team logos, and a certain fabulous newsletter.