Pelicans in Alabama: Where to See Them and How to Identify Them
American White Pelicans and Brown Pelicans both visit Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Your best bet is to head to Dauphin Island, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, or Gulf State Park. Fall through spring offers the best odds. Start with our [guide to pelicans](/animals/pelican) for identification basics.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 7, 2026.
- 2
- species recorded
- April, November, December
- peak months
Where to see them, source eBird
Where pelicans are being seen in Alabama
These are public birding hotspots in Alabama where pelicans were reported in the last month, most recent first. Recent sightings below include Brown Pelican and American White Pelican. Each links to its eBird page, where you can see the full checklist and plan a visit.
- Cedar PointBrown Pelicanseen Jul 18, 2026
- Coden Belt RoadBrown Pelicanseen Jul 18, 2026
- Fort Morgan--Mobile PointBrown Pelicanseen Jul 18, 2026
- Ft Morgan State Historic Site--Ferry launchBrown Pelicanseen Jul 18, 2026
- Stevenson Municipal Park (NABT 43)American White Pelicanseen Jul 18, 2026
- Perdido Pass/Alabama Point--WestBrown Pelicanseen Jul 17, 2026
- Jemison’s Bait & Tackle - MudflatsBrown Pelicanseen Jul 17, 2026
- Orange BeachBrown Pelicanseen Jul 17, 2026
Sightings from eBird, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Wildlife moves, so treat these as recent activity, not a guarantee.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
2,329 verified observations on iNaturalist of pelican have been recorded in Alabama, most often in April, November, December.
When pelican are recorded in Alabama
American White Pelicans and Brown Pelicans both visit Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Your best bet is to head to Dauphin Island, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, or Gulf State Park. Fall through spring offers the best odds. Start with ourguide to pelicansfor identification basics.
Where Are Pelicans Most Likely Spotted in Alabama?
Pelicans concentrate along Alabama’s short Gulf shoreline. Dauphin Island’s east end and the beaches of Gulf Shores are reliable spots. I’ve had my best luck at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Check out theAlabama wildlife hubfor more statewide birding spots.
In Alabama, pelicans sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where in the state sightings are most likely. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
When Is the Best Time of Year to See Pelicans in Alabama?
American White Pelicans are winter visitors, arriving around October and leaving by April. Brown Pelicans are present year-round but more numerous in spring and fall. Early morning and late afternoon are prime feeding times. For precise timing, visit ourpelican sightings page.
Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around best season or time of day, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in Alabama. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.
How to Identify Pelicans in Alabama?
Two species: American White Pelican is huge (up to 50-inch wingspan), all white with black flight feathers. Brown Pelican is smaller, gray-brown body, white head and neck as adult. In flight, American White Pelicans soar in lines, Brown Pelicans flap and glide. See more on ourpelican identification page.
Plan Your Pelican Trip with Our Interactive Map
Use the map below to find top pelican-viewing locations along Alabama’s coast. This tool shows recent sightings and best access points.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What Do Pelicans Eat and How Do They Fish?
Brown Pelicans dive headfirst from heights to catch fish; American White Pelicans scoop fish cooperatively. They mainly eat menhaden, mullet, and other small fish. Watching a feeding frenzy is one of the best reasons to visit the coast.
Are Pelicans Year-Round Residents in Alabama?
Brown Pelicans are year-round, but numbers dip in summer when they nest on offshore islands. American White Pelicans are strictly winter residents. Summer visitors might see mostly Brown Pelicans.
Gear and Souvenirs for Pelican Lovers
Once you’ve spotted your first pelican, you might want something to remember the trip. I still wear a pelican T-shirt from a trip years ago. Check out these picks from Easy Street Markets:
Pelican Bird Lover T-Shirt
Retro-inspired design with a humorous quote. Perfect for bird lovers. Color: Black. Gender: male.Check Price and Availability
Pelican Mug
Funny pelican mug that says 'I Might Look Like I'm Listening to You but in My Head I'm Thinking About Pelicans'.Check Price and Availability
Colorful Pelican Vinyl Decal
Waterproof laptop sticker for bird lovers.Check Price and Availability
Browse more pelican gifts at ourart prints page.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pelicans in Alabama
Are there pelicans in Alabama? Yes, both American White Pelicans and Brown Pelicans can be seen along the Gulf Coast. ### What is the best place to see pelicans in Alabama? Dauphin Island, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, and Gulf State Park are top spots. ### When do pelicans migrate through Alabama? American White Pelicans winter here October to April. Brown Pelicans are year-round. ### How can I tell a white pelican from a brown pelican? White pelicans are larger with black wingtips; brown pelicans are smaller and grayish-brown.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
Where Are Pelicans Most Likely Spotted in Alabama?+
Pelicans concentrate along Alabama’s short Gulf shoreline. Dauphin Island’s east end and the beaches of Gulf Shores are reliable spots. I’ve had my best luck at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Check out theAlabama wildlife hubfor more statewide birding spots. In Alabama, pelicans sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where in the state sightings are most likely. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
When Is the Best Time of Year to See Pelicans in Alabama?+
American White Pelicans are winter visitors, arriving around October and leaving by April. Brown Pelicans are present year-round but more numerous in spring and fall. Early morning and late afternoon are prime feeding times. For precise timing, visit ourpelican sightings page. Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around best season or time of day, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in Alabama. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.
How to Identify Pelicans in Alabama?+
Two species: American White Pelican is huge (up to 50-inch wingspan), all white with black flight feathers. Brown Pelican is smaller, gray-brown body, white head and neck as adult. In flight, American White Pelicans soar in lines, Brown Pelicans flap and glide. See more on ourpelican identification page.
What Do Pelicans Eat and How Do They Fish?+
Brown Pelicans dive headfirst from heights to catch fish; American White Pelicans scoop fish cooperatively. They mainly eat menhaden, mullet, and other small fish. Watching a feeding frenzy is one of the best reasons to visit the coast.
Are Pelicans Year-Round Residents in Alabama?+
Brown Pelicans are year-round, but numbers dip in summer when they nest on offshore islands. American White Pelicans are strictly winter residents. Summer visitors might see mostly Brown Pelicans.
Keep exploring
More places to see pelican
More wildlife in Alabama