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Are There American White Pelicans in Maryland?

American White Pelicans are rare visitors to Maryland, appearing occasionally during migration or winter months. The state's Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters provide temporary stopover habitat for transient birds moving between breeding and wintering grounds. Maryland records are uncommon, so pelican sightings create excitement among local birders and wildlife watchers.

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

American White Pelican photographed in Maryland

American White Pelican · Public domain CC0

American White Pelican photographed in Maryland

American White Pelican · Daughter Dad CC BY

American White Pelican photographed in Maryland

American White Pelican · Public domain CC0

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Found in Maryland
5,750
GBIF records
6
birding hotspots

Yes, american white pelicans are in Maryland. Next you'll want:

American White Pelicans are rare visitors to Maryland, appearing occasionally during migration or winter months. The state's Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters provide temporary stopover habitat for transient birds moving between breeding and wintering grounds. Maryland records are uncommon, so pelican sightings create excitement among local birders and wildlife watchers.

Where American White Pelicans Are Found in Maryland

American White Pelicans in Maryland are found almost exclusively at open water sites along the coast and major bays. The Chesapeake Bay, particularly its broader basins, provides the most suitable habitat for visiting pelicans. The Eastern Shore's extensive marshes and open water areas occasionally host transient pelicans, especially during migration periods. Assawoman Bay, located at the Virginia border on the Eastern Shore, has recorded several pelican sightings. The Patuxent River near its mouth where it meets the Chesapeake provides suitable feeding areas. Ocean City's offshore waters and nearby Maryland coast see occasional pelican records during migration. Smaller coastal bays and creeks rarely host pelicans, as these birds need open water for feeding and resting. Inland reservoirs in Maryland seldom attract pelicans. Coastal observers should scan from public beaches and boat access areas. Visit theMaryland wildlife hubfor more about coastal birding. Seethe American White Pelican guide for Marylandfor more.

Season and Timing for Maryland Pelicans

American White Pelican sightings in Maryland are most frequent from October through November during fall migration. Spring migration sometimes brings pelicans through the state in April and May, though spring records are less common than fall. Winter records exist but remain rare, as most pelicans continue south rather than linger in the Chesapeake. Summer sightings are extremely unlikely, as the state is far outside the species' breeding range. The majority of Maryland pelican records occur within a narrow window of late fall when birds are moving through the Atlantic coast region. Individual sightings often last only a few days as pelicans continue their experience. Unusual storms can push pelicans into the state outside typical migration periods. Fall coastal watchers should remain alert, particularly when high winds displace birds from normal routes. Checkwildlife observation resourcesduring migration seasons for reports. Seethe Maryland wildlife guidefor more.

How to Identify an American White Pelican

American White Pelicans are unmistakable giant waterbirds reaching nine feet in length with wingspans to eleven feet. Adults appear pure white overall with prominent black flight feathers visible in flight. The massive bill, often orange or yellow, reaches up to fifteen inches long and is impossible to confuse with other waterbirds. A large bump develops on the bill of breeding adults. Their head appears small compared to the enormous body and bill. These birds fly in formation, alternating flapping and gliding with slow, powerful wingbeats. Juveniles show dusky markings on wings and head with a flesh-colored bill. At distance, white pelicans might be mistaken for gulls, but their enormous size and distinctive bill eliminate confusion. Their silhouette in flight is diagnostic, with long body, extended neck, and huge bill all visible. No other Maryland waterbird reaches this size.

Where Maryland Sightings Concentrate

Most American White Pelican sightings in Maryland occur at the Chesapeake Bay's broader sections where open water allows feeding. The Eastern Shore's wide bays, particularly Assawoman Bay where sand bars provide roosting areas, host most records. The Patuxent River mouth and associated Chesapeake Bay areas have attracted several documented pelicans. Chincoteague Bay's extension into Maryland occasionally sees visiting pelicans. Ocean City's inlet and surrounding coastal waters produce occasional records. The middle Chesapeake near Kent Island area has hosted pelican sightings. Smaller bays and creeks within the Chesapeake system rarely attract these large birds. Offshore waters beyond the continental shelf are unsuitable. Observers should scan from public beaches, boat launch areas, and overlooks on calm days when pelicans are most active and visible. Binoculars help identify distant birds. Visit theAmerican White Pelican guide for Marylandfor updated sighting locations.

Typical Behavior and Diet

American White Pelicans are highly social cooperative hunters that feed in coordinated groups. They scoop fish from shallow water using their expandable throat pouch, which holds several gallons of water and fish. Favorite prey includes large fish species like herring, shad, and mullet abundant in the Chesapeake. Pelicans often form feeding lines, working together to herd schools of fish into shallow water for easier capture. These birds spend most time resting and preening on open water between feeding forays. They take off from water with difficulty, requiring a running start and vigorous flapping. Once airborne, their flight becomes graceful and efficient with extended gliding between flaps. Pelicans rest together in large groups called rafts, providing safety and warmth. They communicate with grunts and croaks but are generally quiet birds. Drinking occurs by tilting the head back to funnel water down the throat.

Coexistence and Safety

American White Pelicans are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to harm them. These birds pose no threat to people or pets despite their large size. Pelicans are wild animals and should never be approached or fed. Discard fishing line and tackle properly, as pelicans can become entangled in discarded gear. Boaters should maintain distance from pelican groups, as sudden noise or close approach causes stress. Report injured or distressed pelicans to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Enjoy pelicans from a distance using binoculars or telephoto camera lenses. Maryland's commercial and recreational fishing practices generally maintain adequate fish populations for visiting pelicans without conflict. The state's wetland and water quality protections help preserve habitat for transient waterbirds.

Species Confusion: Similar Birds

American White Pelicans might be confused with large white waterbirds like whooper swans or snow geese. Whooper swans appear white and large but lack the pelican's enormous bill and black wing feathers. Snow geese are much smaller than pelicans and lack the distinctive throat pouch. Great Blue Herons are actually blue-gray, not white, with much smaller bills. Snowy egrets are tiny wading birds only three feet long, far smaller than pelicans. Double-crested Cormorants are dark waterbirds with different diving behavior rather than surface feeding. Herring Gulls appear white but remain small gulls without pelicans' huge bill and distinctive shape. Tundra swans, rare in Maryland, appear white and large but show different calls and flight patterns. Learning these differences helps confirm true pelican sightings from other waterbirds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are American White Pelicans most often seen in Maryland? They appear primarily at the Chesapeake Bay's broader sections and the Eastern Shore during fall migration in October and November. Open water habitats with good fish populations attract transient birds. Do pelicans breed in Maryland? No, Maryland lies far outside their breeding range, which extends through the interior West and north-central regions. The state's waters are too cold and fish populations insufficient for breeding colonies. How can I help protect visiting pelicans? Report injured birds to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, properly dispose of fishing line, and maintain distance from groups. What is the best way to photograph pelicans? Use binoculars and telephoto lenses to observe from a distance without stressing the birds during migration.

Plan your american white pelican sighting in Maryland

5,750 verified american white pelican records have been logged in Maryland, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.

Where to look in Maryland

Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).

Recent american white pelican sightings

  • Chicamacomico River, Cambridge, Maryland, US (38.427, -75.937) · 2026-07-19 14:20 · 4 seen
  • 5827 S Point Rd, Berlin US-MD 38.21588, -75.19107 · 2026-07-02 10:11 · 1 seen

Planning a trip to see american white pelican? Find places to stay near Antietam National Battlefield on Booking.com.

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