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2 Types of Pelicans in California

2 types of pelicans have a verified observation record in California. The most frequently recorded are Brown Pelican and American White Pelican. Here is the full list, ranked by how often each is reported on iNaturalist.

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2 types of pelicans have a verified observation record in California. The most frequently recorded are Brown Pelican and American White Pelican. Here is the full list, ranked by how often each is reported on iNaturalist.

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Verified species, source iNaturalist

2 types of pelicans recorded in California

2 pelicans species have a verified observation record in California, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.

#SpeciesScientific nameVerified records
1Brown PelicanPelecanus occidentalis44,645
2American White PelicanPelecanus erythrorhynchos19,663

Plus 1 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations.

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Continue into the wildlife guide

The Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is the most commonly recorded, with 44,645 verified observations — about 69% of all pelicans reported in California. If you spot a pelican here, it is statistically most likely to be this one.