🌿ESM

Are There Brown Pelicans in Alabama?

Yes, brown pelicans are common along Alabama's Gulf Coast and increasingly visible inland. These large waterbirds have made a strong comeback after near extinction. You can find them year-round in coastal areas, with numbers highest from spring through fall. Lakes and bays throughout the state host hunting populations during migration season.

T

By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 21, 2026.

Brown Pelican photographed in Alabama

Brown Pelican · Richard Lyon CC BY

Eastern Brown Pelican photographed in Alabama

Eastern Brown Pelican · Jay Brasher CC BY

Brown Pelican photographed in Alabama

Brown Pelican · Seig CC BY

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Found in Alabama
56,633
GBIF records
6
birding hotspots

Yes, brown pelicans are in Alabama. Next you'll want:

Yes, brown pelicans are common along Alabama's Gulf Coast and increasingly visible inland. These large waterbirds have made a strong comeback after near extinction. You can find them year-round in coastal areas, with numbers highest from spring through fall. Lakes and bays throughout the state host hunting populations during migration season.

Where Brown Pelicans Are Found in Alabama

Brown pelicans inhabit Alabama's entire Gulf Coast, from the Florida panhandle border to the Mississippi line. Mobile Bay serves as a major stronghold, with large concentrations around Dauphin Island and the barrier islands. Inland, they appear regularly on major reservoirs including Lake Guntersville, Lay Lake, and the Tennessee River system. They've expanded beyond coastal zones and now hunt along the Tombigbee River and smaller impoundments. The Alabama Audubon Society tracks sightings across the state, and data shows they're becoming more widespread each year. Visitors to coastal areas and major lakes often spot them diving for fish. These birds prefer areas with abundant forage fish, so any large water body in Alabama can temporarily host migrating flocks. Check/wildlife/alabamafor other coastal and aquatic species you might encounter. Seethe Brown Pelican guide for Alabamafor more.

Seasonal Presence and Activity in Alabama

Brown pelicans remain in Alabama year-round, though populations fluctuate seasonally. Winter months see steady numbers along the coast, while spring and summer bring peak activity as breeding birds return from wintering grounds. Fall migration pushes inland populations as they disperse to find open water and abundant food. May through September represents peak season for sightings across both coastal and inland habitats. During breeding season (March through August), pelicans become very active, spending entire days diving and feeding. Cold snaps occasionally drive them to open water on inland lakes and reservoirs to hunt. Most Alabama sightings occur in daylight hours, particularly early morning and late afternoon when fish feeding activity peaks. Binoculars provide the best views during migration periods when flocks congregate at major water crossings. For more details on regional wildlife patterns, visit/wildlife.

How to Identify a Brown Pelican

Brown pelicans are impossible to mistake once you understand their distinctive features. Adults display brown and gray upperparts with white and yellow on the head and neck. The massive bill is long and slightly hooked at the tip, attached to an expandable throat pouch. During breeding season, the head becomes vibrant white with a distinctive yellow wash on the crown. Juveniles appear much darker overall, with grayish-brown plumage and darker bills than adults. All pelicans in flight show a striking silhouette, with wings bent slightly at the wrist and neck pulled into an S-curve. Their size is enormous, spanning up to nine feet across outstretched wings. When diving, they plunge headfirst from heights up to 60 feet, creating dramatic splashes. The voice is rarely heard except during breeding season, when grunts and croaks occur. Watch for the characteristic shape: no other North American waterbird has this combination of size, posture, and diving behavior.

Where Sightings Concentrate in Alabama

Mobile Bay remains the premier viewing location for brown pelicans in Alabama. Dauphin Island, accessible by bridge from mainland Mobile, offers reliable sightings year-round. The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge provides protected habitat and managed viewing opportunities along the coast. Fort Morgan State Historic Site attracts pelicans feeding in nearby waters. Inland, Lake Guntersville State Park hosts impressive concentrations during migration season. Lay Lake, one of Alabama's largest impoundments, regularly holds hunting flocks from late summer through spring. The Tennessee River system between Guntersville and northern Alabama provides additional viewing opportunities. The Sipsey Swamp region occasionally hosts pelicans exploring deeper inland waterways. Local nature centers and parks often maintain observation platforms and guides. Visit/wildlife/alabama/brown-pelicanfor detailed directions to the best viewing areas and seasonal timing tips for successful sightings.

Brown Pelican Behavior and Diet

Brown pelicans are specialists in one skill: diving for fish. They spend most daylight hours scanning water from the air, rising to heights of 50 to 60 feet before spotting prey. When a target fish appears, they collapse their wings and dive nearly vertically, hitting the water with tremendous force. The impact temporarily stuns fish, and the throat pouch expands to scoop them up. A typical adult consumes about one pound of fish daily, primarily mullet, menhaden, and other small schooling fish. They are highly social, often hunting in loose flocks and roosting together at night. During breeding season, they gather at nesting colonies on islands and isolated waterside areas. Pelicans are surprisingly vocal during these breeding periods, though silent most of the year. They rarely interact aggressively with humans and mostly ignore observers at a distance. Their long lifespan, up to 25 years in the wild, allows experienced hunters to pass knowledge to younger birds.

Coexistence and Legal Protections

Brown pelicans are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to harm, capture, or collect them without federal permits. Alabama's wildlife agencies strictly enforce these protections. The species was removed from the endangered species list in 2009, representing one of conservation's greatest successes. Fishermen occasionally encounter them in their territory, but pelicans prefer species that fish farms and recreational anglers largely ignore. Boaters should maintain respectful distance and avoid nesting colonies during breeding season. Pelicans occasionally entangle in fishing line or plastic debris, so proper disposal of waste helps protect them. Never feed pelicans or attempt to hand-catch them. If you encounter an injured bird, contact the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Children can safely observe pelicans from designated viewing areas and should be taught to watch silently and maintain distance. These birds pose no threat to human safety and actively avoid interaction.

Species Easily Confused with Brown Pelicans

Several large waterbirds in Alabama might be mistaken for brown pelicans. American white pelicans are much larger and display white plumage with black wing markings. They lack the brown coloration and distinctive diving behavior of brown pelicans. Great blue herons share wetland habitats but are far more slender and lack the massive bill. Cormorants appear superficially similar when wet but are significantly smaller and have different head shapes. Loons occasionally visit large Alabama lakes and have similar diving behavior, but are much smaller and more elongated. Turkey vultures soar overhead with a similar silhouette in flight, but have reddish heads and different flight mechanics. The key to identification is the massive throat pouch, enormous bill, and distinctive diving plunge. Once you've seen a pelican dive, no other bird looks remotely similar. Field guides specific to waterbirds help distinguish these species.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Pelicans in Alabama

Q: Can brown pelicans eat saltwater fish? A: Yes, they eat primarily saltwater species like mullet and menhaden. They also hunt in brackish and freshwater systems where appropriate prey exists. Q: Do pelicans migrate through Alabama? A: Most remain year-round, but populations shift seasonally. Spring and fall bring transient birds heading between northern and southern wintering grounds. Q: Is it safe to approach a pelican on the beach? A: No. Maintain at least 30 feet distance. Pelicans can bite and become stressed by close approach. Q: How many fish does a pelican catch daily? A: They typically consume about one pound daily, requiring one to several successful dives. Success rates vary with food availability and hunting skill. Visit/wildlife/alabamafor more information on Gulf Coast species and habitats.

Plan your brown pelican sighting in Alabama

56,633 verified brown pelican records have been logged in Alabama, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.

Where to look in Alabama

Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).

Recent brown pelican sightings

  • Lulus · 2026-07-20 19:34 · 1 seen
  • Gulf State Park - Headquarters, Gulf Shores US-AL 30.25509, -87.64403 · 2026-07-20 17:06 · 1 seen
  • 15363 Morris Dr, Coden US-AL 30.37091, -88.15516 · 2026-07-20 14:25 · 14 seen
  • Gulf Shores Public Beach · 2026-07-20 11:04 · 2 seen
  • Gulf SP--Alabama Point · 2026-07-20 10:24 · 3 seen

Planning a trip to see brown pelican? Find places to stay near Horseshoe Bend National Military Park on Booking.com.

More wildlife in Alabama

Cardinal in AlabamaHawk in Alabama