Yes, brown pelicans do live in Florida. The brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is a large seabird found on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America. In the United States, brown pelicans can be found from North Carolina south to Florida and west along the Gulf Coast to Texas.
Brown pelicans were driven to near extinction in the 1960s due to impacts from the insecticide DDT. After DDT was banned in 1972, brown pelican populations began to recover. Although they can still be found along the entire southeastern seaboard, some of the largest breeding populations of brown pelicans are found in Florida.
Natural History of Brown Pelicans
Brown pelicans are large birds, with wingspans of up to 7 feet. Their plumage is dark brown during the breeding season but becomes more white during the nonbreeding season. Their bills and pouches are yellowish in color.
Brown pelicans feed by plunge diving for fish. They can dive from heights of up to 60 feet, hitting the water at speeds of up to 60 mph. Their pouches can hold up to 3 gallons of water and fish. Once their pouches are filled, they surface and drain the water before swallowing the fish.
Breeding
Brown pelicans nest colonially on small coastal islands with little or no vegetation. In Florida, nesting islands can be found on the Atlantic coast, within the Indian River Lagoon system, and in the Florida Keys.
Breeding occurs from March to May in Florida. Females lay a clutch of 2-3 eggs in a simple scrape on the ground lined with feathers or vegetation. Parents take turns incubating the eggs for 28-30 days until hatching.
Chicks hatch nearly naked but grow downy white feathers within a few days. Both parents feed the chicks by regurgitating food into their mouths. Chicks fledge at around 9 weeks of age but may continue to be fed by their parents for a few more weeks as they learn to fish on their own.
Diet
Brown pelicans feed exclusively on fish that they catch by plunge diving. Their diet includes species such as:
- Menhaden
- Mullet
- Sardines
- Anchovies
- Mackerel
They sometimes work together to herd fish into shallower waters where they are easier to catch. Brown pelicans may also associate with dolphins, who drive fish species like mullet to the surface.
Habitat
Brown pelicans live in estuaries and along coastlines. In Florida, they can be found in a variety of coastal habitats:
- Saltwater bays and inlets
- Mangrove forests
- Coastal islands for nesting
- Sandy beaches
- Nearshore waters for feeding
Key areas for brown pelicans in Florida include:
- Indian River Lagoon
- Florida Bay
- Florida Keys
- Ten Thousand Islands
- Cape Canaveral
- Tampa Bay
Status and Threats
Brown pelicans experienced significant population declines in the 1950s and 1960s due to impacts from the pesticide DDT. DDT caused thin eggshells, reproductive failure, and population crashes.
In 1970, brown pelicans were declared an endangered species under the Endangered Species Preservation Act, a predecessor to the modern Endangered Species Act. The use of DDT was banned in the United States in 1972.
After DDT was banned, brown pelican populations began to recover. The banning of DDT and conservation efforts allowed brown pelican populations to rebound enough that they were removed from the federal list of endangered species in 2009.
However, brown pelicans still face a number of threats today:
- Habitat degradation and loss of nesting sites
- Disturbance of nesting colonies
- Oil spills
- Discarded fishing tackle
- Human disturbance
Conservation efforts aimed at protecting crucial breeding and feeding habitat will be important for sustaining Florida’s brown pelican populations into the future.
Population in Florida
Florida supports one of the largest breeding populations of brown pelicans in the southeastern United States. An estimated 12,000 breeding pairs nest in Florida.
Some key brown pelican breeding colonies in Florida include:
Location | Estimated # of breeding pairs |
---|---|
Tampa Bay (Alafia Bank, Double Branch, P MacDill AFB) | 1,536 |
Indian River Lagoon (Pelican Island) | 5,000 |
Florida Bay (Cat Keys) | 2,400 |
Florida Keys (Key West NWR) | 800 |
Ten Thousand Islands | 1,000 |
Cape Canaveral | 1,300 |
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimates the total Florida breeding population at around 12,000 nesting pairs.
Outside of the breeding season, brown pelicans disperse up and down both Florida coasts. They can be found along beaches, in estuaries, and in inshore waters where they feed.
Seasonal Patterns
Brown pelicans migrate through and winter along both of Florida’s coasts:
- On the Atlantic coast, they are present year-round but peak from fall through spring.
- On the Gulf coast, they are present year-round but most abundant in the winter and spring.
In the summer, they disperse from nesting colonies to feed along the coasts.
Breeding occurs from March to May, with most eggs laid in April.
Viewing Brown Pelicans in Florida
The best places to see brown pelicans in Florida include:
- Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge – Nesting colonies are on island fringes and pelicans can be seen plunge diving.
- Indian River Lagoon – Pelican Island was the first National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1903 to protect brown pelican nesting colonies.
- Tampa Bay – Forster’s Island, Greer Island, Double Branch, and Alafia Bank host nesting colonies.
- Florida Keys – Nesting colonies and roosting birds can be seen at Key West National Wildlife Refuge.
- Cape Canaveral Air Force Station – Nesting birds on the dikes of the retention ponds.
- St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge – Winter roosts in the thousands near Ochlockonee Bay.
Some tips for viewing brown pelicans include:
- Scope out roosting and nesting sites – Look for low islands where they congregate.
- Watch for feeding flocks just offshore – Large groups may work together to herd fish.
- Observe their plunge diving behavior – Watch for steep dives as they fish.
- Use binoculars to admire details like their huge pouched bills.
- Practice respectful viewing – Stay clear of nesting colonies and roosts.
With ample coastline and protected islands, Florida provides critical habitat for breeding, feeding, and roosting brown pelicans. Watching these large seabirds as they soar, dive, and float on the ocean surface is one of the great wildlife viewing experiences in the Sunshine State.
Conclusion
In summary, brown pelicans are large seabirds that live along the coasts of Florida year-round. They were driven to near extinction by pesticides but have rebounded after conservation measures. Florida now supports one of the largest breeding populations of brown pelicans in North America, with colonies scattered along both coasts. Prime viewing spots include Merritt Island NWR, Indian River Lagoon, Tampa Bay, Florida Keys, and Cape Canaveral. With some seasonal movements, brown pelicans can be observed plunge diving and roosting along Florida’s coasts throughout the year. Protecting their beach nesting habitats and marine feeding grounds will help ensure healthy populations of these iconic coastal birds continue thriving in the state.