2 Types of Pelicans in Georgia
Georgia hosts two pelican species: the American White Pelican and the Brown Pelican. The American White is a seasonal visitor on inland lakes, while the Brown Pelican is a year-round coastal resident. Start by checking the coast for Brown Pelicans and larger inland reservoirs for white ones.
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
- March, February, January
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
2 types of pelicans recorded in Georgia
2 pelican species have a verified observation record in Georgia, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
1
2
Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
1,271 verified observations on iNaturalist of pelican have been recorded in Georgia, most often in March, February, January.
When pelican are recorded in Georgia
Georgia hosts two pelican species: the American White Pelican and the Brown Pelican. The American White is a seasonal visitor on inland lakes, while the Brown Pelican is a year-round coastal resident. Start by checking the coast for Brown Pelicans and larger inland reservoirs for white ones.
1. What are the two types of pelicans found in Georgia?
Georgia’s pelicans fall into two species: the **American White Pelican** and the **Brown Pelican**. The American White is a large, mostly white bird that visits during migration and winter. The Brown Pelican is smaller, darker, and lives along the coast year-round. Both are unmistakable with their large bills and throat pouches.
2. How can you identify an American White Pelican in Georgia?
American White Pelicans are massive white birds with black flight feathers visible in flight. They have a yellow-orange bill and pouch. In Georgia, look for them on large freshwater lakes and reservoirs like Lake Seminole, Lake Lanier, and the Altamaha River. They are most common from late fall through early spring. Unlike Brown Pelicans, they often feed cooperatively in groups, herding fish.
3. How can you identify a Brown Pelican in Georgia?
Brown Pelicans are smaller, with a gray-brown body, white head, and a dark belly. They have a grayish bill. In Georgia, they are found along the entire coast, especially on barrier islands like Tybee Island, Jekyll Island, and Cumberland Island. Look for them diving headfirst into the water for fish. They are present year-round but are easiest to see in summer during nesting season.
See ourPelicans typesfor the next step.
4. How do you tell the difference between American White and Brown Pelicans?
The simplest way is by color: American Whites are mostly white with black wingtips; Brown Pelicans are gray-brown. Size also helps – White Pelicans are larger (50-70 inch wingspan) than Brown (60-80 inch wingspan, but actually Brown are slightly smaller). Behavior differs too: Whites feed by scooping fish from the surface while swimming; Browns plunge-dive from the air. If you're on the coast, it's almost always a Brown Pelican; inland, it's a White.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. Where are the best places to spot pelicans in Georgia?
For **Brown Pelicans**, head to coastal spots like the Savannah River delta, **Tybee Island**, **Jekyll Island**’s driftwood beach, or **Cumberland Island**’s marshes. For **American White Pelicans**, try inland reservoirs: **Lake Seminole** (southwest), **Lake Lanier** (north), or the **Altamaha River** corridor. Both species also congregate at the **Okefenokee Swamp** occasionally. Check ourGeorgia wildlife pagefor more hotspot details.
6. When is the best time of year to see each pelican species?
Brown Pelicans are present year-round on the coast, but nesting season (March-August) offers the best viewing as they gather in colonies. American White Pelicans are migratory: best odds from October through April. During spring and fall migration, you might see them stop over at larger lakes. Winter is prime for inland sightings. For the most reliable viewing, visit coastal rookeries in summer for Brown Pelicans or inland reservoirs in winter for White Pelicans.
7. What about pelican identification tips for beginners?
Start with location: if you're at the beach, it's a Brown Pelican. If you're at a lake more than 50 miles from the coast, it's likely an American White Pelican. Note bill color: White Pelicans have bright orange-yellow bills; Brown Pelicans have grayish bills. In flight, White Pelicans hold their necks straight out, while Brown Pelicans tuck their heads slightly. Study ourpelican identification guidefor more details.
8. Show your pelican pride with gear from Easy Street Markets
Once you've spotted these birds, commemorate your sighting with some pelican-themed items. Check out these favorites:
Pelican Bird Lover T-Shirt
A retro-inspired tee with a whimsical pelican illustration and humorous quote. Great for birders who get distracted by these majestic seabirds.Check Price and Availability
Colorful Pelican Vinyl Decal
Waterproof laptop sticker with a vibrant pelican design. Perfect for adding a touch of coastal flair to your gear.Check Price and Availability
Pelican Bird Baseball Cap
A comfortable cap featuring a pelican design. Wear it on your next coastal birding trip.Check Price and Availability
Browse morepelican-themed art printsand gifts at Easy Street Markets.
Pelican Mug, Pelican Gifts, I Might Look Like I'm Listening to You but in My Head I'm Thinking About Pelicans, Funny Pelican Cup
A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
9. Frequently asked questions about pelicans in Georgia
**Are pelicans rare in Georgia?** No, Brown Pelicans are common along the coast, and American White Pelicans are regular winter visitors inland. **Do pelicans nest in Georgia?** Yes, Brown Pelicans nest on coastal islands; American White Pelicans do not breed here. **Can you see pelicans year-round?** Brown Pelicans can be seen any time on the coast. American White Pelicans are only present from fall through spring. **What is the difference between a pelican and a cormorant?** Cormorants are smaller, dark, and lack a throat pouch. Pelicans are much larger and have a distinctive pouch.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the two types of pelicans found in Georgia?+
Georgia’s pelicans fall into two species: the **American White Pelican** and the **Brown Pelican**. The American White is a large, mostly white bird that visits during migration and winter. The Brown Pelican is smaller, darker, and lives along the coast year-round. Both are unmistakable with their large bills and throat pouches.
2. How can you identify an American White Pelican in Georgia?+
American White Pelicans are massive white birds with black flight feathers visible in flight. They have a yellow-orange bill and pouch. In Georgia, look for them on large freshwater lakes and reservoirs like Lake Seminole, Lake Lanier, and the Altamaha River. They are most common from late fall through early spring. Unlike Brown Pelicans, they often feed cooperatively in groups, herding fish.
3. How can you identify a Brown Pelican in Georgia?+
Brown Pelicans are smaller, with a gray-brown body, white head, and a dark belly. They have a grayish bill. In Georgia, they are found along the entire coast, especially on barrier islands like Tybee Island, Jekyll Island, and Cumberland Island. Look for them diving headfirst into the water for fish. They are present year-round but are easiest to see in summer during nesting season. See ourPelicans typesfor the next step.
4. How do you tell the difference between American White and Brown Pelicans?+
The simplest way is by color: American Whites are mostly white with black wingtips; Brown Pelicans are gray-brown. Size also helps – White Pelicans are larger (50-70 inch wingspan) than Brown (60-80 inch wingspan, but actually Brown are slightly smaller). Behavior differs too: Whites feed by scooping fish from the surface while swimming; Browns plunge-dive from the air. If you're on the coast, it's almost always a Brown Pelican; inland, it's a White. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. Where are the best places to spot pelicans in Georgia?+
For **Brown Pelicans**, head to coastal spots like the Savannah River delta, **Tybee Island**, **Jekyll Island**’s driftwood beach, or **Cumberland Island**’s marshes. For **American White Pelicans**, try inland reservoirs: **Lake Seminole** (southwest), **Lake Lanier** (north), or the **Altamaha River** corridor. Both species also congregate at the **Okefenokee Swamp** occasionally. Check ourGeorgia wildlife pagefor more hotspot details.
6. When is the best time of year to see each pelican species?+
Brown Pelicans are present year-round on the coast, but nesting season (March-August) offers the best viewing as they gather in colonies. American White Pelicans are migratory: best odds from October through April. During spring and fall migration, you might see them stop over at larger lakes. Winter is prime for inland sightings. For the most reliable viewing, visit coastal rookeries in summer for Brown Pelicans or inland reservoirs in winter for White Pelicans.
7. What about pelican identification tips for beginners?+
Start with location: if you're at the beach, it's a Brown Pelican. If you're at a lake more than 50 miles from the coast, it's likely an American White Pelican. Note bill color: White Pelicans have bright orange-yellow bills; Brown Pelicans have grayish bills. In flight, White Pelicans hold their necks straight out, while Brown Pelicans tuck their heads slightly. Study ourpelican identification guidefor more details.
Keep exploring
More places to see pelican
More wildlife in Georgia