2 Types of Pelicans in Louisiana
Louisiana is home to two main pelican species: the American White Pelican and the Brown Pelican. Both are iconic along the Gulf Coast, but they differ in size, color, and behavior. This guide will help you identify each type and know where to find them.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 7, 2026.
Verified species, source iNaturalist
2 types of pelicans recorded in Louisiana
2 pelican species have a verified observation record in Louisiana, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Louisiana is home to two main pelican species: the American White Pelican and the Brown Pelican. Both are iconic along the Gulf Coast, but they differ in size, color, and behavior. This guide will help you identify each type and know where to find them.
What are the most common pelican species in Louisiana?
The two pelican species you'll most likely see in Louisiana are the American White Pelican and the Brown Pelican. The Brown Pelican is smaller and darker, while the American White Pelican is larger with white plumage and black flight feathers. Both are found near coastal waters and inland lakes.
In Louisiana, pelicans sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. 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.
How can you tell apart American White Pelicans and Brown Pelicans?
The American White Pelican is pure white with black wingtips and a bright orange-red bill. The Brown Pelican is grey-brown with a yellow head during breeding season. Brown Pelicans dive for fish, while American White Pelicans scoop fish from the surface. Size is also a key clue: American White Pelicans are noticeably larger.
Where and when are each species most likely to be seen in Louisiana?
Brown Pelicans are year-round residents along the coast, especially in marshes and barrier islands. American White Pelicans winter in Louisiana, arriving in fall and leaving by spring. They gather in large flocks on shallow lakes like Lake Pontchartrain and Catahoula Lake. For a complete overview of the state's pelican diversity, see ourLouisiana pelican types page.
What other pelican species might appear in Louisiana?
Occasionally, a Peruvian Pelican (a close relative of the Brown Pelican) might wander into the state, but it's extremely rare. The two main species are the ones to focus on. For more on pelican biology, check out our mainpelican animal hub.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
When is the best time of year to see both pelicans together?
Late winter and early spring offer the best chance to see both species in Louisiana. American White Pelicans are still present before migrating north, while Brown Pelicans are starting their breeding season. Head to coastal refuges likestate wildlife areasfor the best odds.
Where can I spot pelicans in Louisiana?
Top spots include Grand Isle, Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, and the Atchafalaya Basin. Brown Pelicans are common along the coast, while American White Pelicans prefer inland lakes. Early morning or late afternoon provide the best light for identification.
Plan your pelican-watching trip with travel tools
Use the widget below to find the best routes and accommodations for your Louisiana birding trip.
For a full list of birding hotspots, visit ourLouisiana wildlife hub.
Show your love for pelicans with these bird-themed finds
If you enjoy spotting these birds, you might like to bring a bit of pelican style to your everyday life. Here are a few items that any pelican watcher would appreciate.
Pelican Bird Lover T-Shirt
Retro-inspired design for bird lovers features a whimsical pelican illustration with a humorous quote. Perfect for those easily distracted by these seabirds.Check Price and Availability
Pelican Mug, Pelican Gifts
A funny ceramic mug that says "I might look like I'm listening to you but in my head I'm thinking about pelicans." Great for coffee or tea.Check Price and Availability
Colorful Pelican Vinyl Decal
Waterproof vinyl decal perfect for laptops, water bottles, or car windows. Shows off your love for pelicans.Check Price and Availability
Browse more pelican art prints at ourart prints collection.
Frequently asked questions about pelicans in Louisiana
**Do pelicans live in Louisiana year-round?** Brown Pelicans are year-round residents. American White Pelicans are winter visitors from September to April.
**Where is the best place to see pelicans in Louisiana?** Grand Isle and the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge are top spots for both species.
**Are pelicans protected in Louisiana?** Yes, both species are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
**What do pelicans eat in Louisiana?** Fish like menhaden and mullet are their main food. Brown Pelicans dive; American White Pelicans scoop.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common pelican species in Louisiana?+
The two pelican species you'll most likely see in Louisiana are the American White Pelican and the Brown Pelican. The Brown Pelican is smaller and darker, while the American White Pelican is larger with white plumage and black flight feathers. Both are found near coastal waters and inland lakes. In Louisiana, pelicans sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. 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.
How can you tell apart American White Pelicans and Brown Pelicans?+
The American White Pelican is pure white with black wingtips and a bright orange-red bill. The Brown Pelican is grey-brown with a yellow head during breeding season. Brown Pelicans dive for fish, while American White Pelicans scoop fish from the surface. Size is also a key clue: American White Pelicans are noticeably larger.
Where and when are each species most likely to be seen in Louisiana?+
Brown Pelicans are year-round residents along the coast, especially in marshes and barrier islands. American White Pelicans winter in Louisiana, arriving in fall and leaving by spring. They gather in large flocks on shallow lakes like Lake Pontchartrain and Catahoula Lake. For a complete overview of the state's pelican diversity, see ourLouisiana pelican types page.
What other pelican species might appear in Louisiana?+
Occasionally, a Peruvian Pelican (a close relative of the Brown Pelican) might wander into the state, but it's extremely rare. The two main species are the ones to focus on. For more on pelican biology, check out our mainpelican animal hub. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
When is the best time of year to see both pelicans together?+
Late winter and early spring offer the best chance to see both species in Louisiana. American White Pelicans are still present before migrating north, while Brown Pelicans are starting their breeding season. Head to coastal refuges likestate wildlife areasfor the best odds.
Where can I spot pelicans in Louisiana?+
Top spots include Grand Isle, Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, and the Atchafalaya Basin. Brown Pelicans are common along the coast, while American White Pelicans prefer inland lakes. Early morning or late afternoon provide the best light for identification.
Keep exploring
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