How to Identify Pelican in Maryland
Yes, you can identify pelicans in Maryland. The brown pelican is the species you are most likely to encounter, appearing mainly in summer and early fall along the Atlantic coast near Ocean City and Assateague Island, with increasing sightings inside the Chesapeake Bay as the species continues to expand northward. The American white pelican also passes through Maryland, though only as a rare migrant during spring and fall migration. Both species have distinctive silhouettes and plumage patterns that make them identifiable once you know what to look for. This guide covers the key field marks for telling them apart, when you are most likely to see them, and where in Maryland offers the best viewing opportunities.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
- 2
- species recorded
- August, July, June
- peak months
Lookalikes, source iNaturalist
How to tell a pelican from its lookalikes in Maryland
Only one species of pelican lives in Maryland, so the real question is telling it apart from its relatives. 2 other members of the pelican family have a verified observation record here, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The ones you are most likely to confuse it with are Brown Pelican and American White Pelican. Compare them below, ranked by how often each is recorded.
Records from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Where to see them, source eBird
Where pelicans are being seen in Maryland
These are public birding hotspots in Maryland where pelicans were reported in the last month, most recent first. Each links to its eBird page, where you can see the full checklist and plan a visit.
- Ocean City--Sunset ParkBrown Pelicanseen Jul 19, 2026
- Patuxent River Naval Air Station (restricted access)Brown Pelicanseen Jul 19, 2026
- North Ocean City (beach)Brown Pelicanseen Jul 18, 2026
- Assateague I. NS--Ferry LandingBrown Pelicanseen Jul 18, 2026
- West Ocean City--Hooper's Restaurant (private)Brown Pelicanseen Jul 18, 2026
- Tilghman Island--Harris Creek areaBrown Pelicanseen Jul 18, 2026
- Piney PointBrown Pelicanseen Jul 18, 2026
- Martin NWRBrown 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
842 verified observations on iNaturalist of pelican have been recorded in Maryland, most often in August, July, June.
When pelican are recorded in Maryland
Yes, you can identify pelicans in Maryland. The brown pelican is the species you are most likely to encounter, appearing mainly in summer and early fall along the Atlantic coast near Ocean City and Assateague Island, with increasing sightings inside the Chesapeake Bay as the species continues to expand northward. The American white pelican also passes through Maryland, though only as a rare migrant during spring and fall migration. Both species have distinctive silhouettes and plumage patterns that make them identifiable once you know what to look for. This guide covers the key field marks for telling them apart, when you are most likely to see them, and where in Maryland offers the best viewing opportunities.
Brown Pelican: Size and Overall Shape
The brown pelican is a large waterbird, with adults reaching 42 to 54 inches in length and a wingspan of 6.5 to 7.5 feet. Despite their impressive size, brown pelicans are noticeably smaller than American white pelicans. In flight, they have a compact, stocky build with a relatively short neck and distinctive long bill tipped downward. On the water or perched, the body appears hunched and heavy, quite different from the upright posture of white pelicans. The wings are long and narrow, adapted for the low, flapping flight pattern these birds use to skim across waves.
Brown Pelican Plumage: Color and Markings
Adult brown pelicans in breeding plumage display rich chestnut-brown coloring on the back and wings, with a white head and neck (the neck often flushed with yellow). In breeding season (which includes their Maryland summer visits), many adults show dramatic dark and pale patches on the head and neck. Non-breeding birds and juveniles are duller, with brown-gray backs and whitish undersides. The gular pouch, a large throat sac used for fishing, is yellowish or orange. This pouch is one of the easiest field marks to spot, especially when the bird is diving or feeding.
American White Pelican: Distinctive White Plumage
American white pelicans are larger than brown pelicans, reaching 50 to 70 inches in length with a wingspan up to 9.5 feet, making them among the largest waterfowl in North America. As their name suggests, adults are predominantly white, with black flight feathers visible on the wings in flight. The long bill appears massive and straight (not downturned like the brown pelican), and the throat pouch is bright yellow or orange. Juveniles are darker, with dusky plumage, but retain the massive bill and white wing patches. The sheer size difference between white and brown pelicans is often the first clue to which species you are seeing.
How do you tell a brown pelican from an American white pelican?
The simplest field marks are size, color, and posture. Brown pelicans are smaller, hunched, with dark and white plumage, and a downturned bill. American white pelicans are much larger, white (in adults), upright, and have a straight bill. In flight, brown pelicans flap low over the water in short bursts, while white pelicans fly high and in formation with slow, steady wingbeats. If you see a large, white pelican flying high in a line with others, it is an American white pelican. If you see a dark and white bird skimming low over the bay or diving, it is a brown pelican. The gular pouch color (yellow-orange in both) is less useful in the field than overall color and size.
Behavioral Identification: Flight and Feeding
Brown pelicans are famous for their dramatic plunge-diving behavior. They fly low and solo, spot a fish, and dive headfirst into the water with spectacular splashes. American white pelicans, by contrast, are dabbling feeders and rarely dive. They feed cooperatively in groups, swimming and dipping their bills into the water to scoop fish. You may also see white pelicans tipping forward like dabblers or herding fish into shallow water before feeding. These contrasting hunting styles are reliable ways to identify the species even at a distance. A diving bird hitting the water hard is almost certainly a brown pelican.
Where and when are you most likely to see pelicans in Maryland?
Brown pelicans begin arriving in Maryland in late May or early June and peak from July through September, with stragglers into October. They concentrate along the Atlantic coast, especially near Ocean City and Assateague Island, but are increasingly seen inside the Chesapeake Bay on low islands and shallow flats. American white pelicans appear during spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) migration, usually in small numbers and in the same areas as brown pelicans. Peak viewing for brown pelicans is mid-July through August in coastal bays and the lower Chesapeake. White pelicans are less predictable but appear most often in May and October. Check local birding hotlines and eBird for recent sightings to pinpoint the best viewing windows.
Age-Related Plumage Differences in Brown Pelicans
Juvenile brown pelicans are brownish-gray overall with dirty white undersides, lacking the striking white head and rich chestnut tones of adults. Immature birds (2-3 years old) gradually acquire more white on the head and neck each year. This gradual change can be confusing at first, but the dark back, hunched posture, and downturned bill remain constant. If you see a brown, lanky waterbird with a long bill and the characteristic pelican silhouette, it is almost certainly a brown pelican regardless of age. American white pelican juveniles are darker than adults but retain the massive straight bill and size that distinguish them from brown pelicans at any age.
Are pelicans protected in Maryland?
Yes, both brown pelicans and American white pelicans are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Brown pelicans were listed as endangered until 1985 and remain a conservation success story, rebounding from near extinction. American white pelicans have never been listed but are also fully protected. It is illegal to disturb nesting birds or their colonies. In Maryland, brown pelicans nest on low bay islands and should never be approached during breeding season. When viewing pelicans, maintain a safe distance, avoid sudden movements or loud noises, and respect any closures or signage at wildlife refuges. Responsible wildlife viewing protects these species for future generations.
Pelican Calls and Sounds?
Brown pelicans are mostly silent but occasionally produce grunts, croaks, or hisses when competing for fish or at the nest. Young pelicans give loud, harsh calls. American white pelicans are also relatively quiet but may grunt during cooperative feeding. Neither species produces loud, frequent vocalizations like ducks or geese. In Maryland, you are far more likely to identify pelicans by sight than by sound. The splash of a diving brown pelican or the sight of their white heads on the water are the most reliable cues for finding them.
Frequently asked questions
How do you tell a brown pelican from an American white pelican?+
The simplest field marks are size, color, and posture. Brown pelicans are smaller, hunched, with dark and white plumage, and a downturned bill. American white pelicans are much larger, white (in adults), upright, and have a straight bill. In flight, brown pelicans flap low over the water in short bursts, while white pelicans fly high and in formation with slow, steady wingbeats. If you see a large, white pelican flying high in a line with others, it is an American white pelican. If you see a dark and white bird skimming low over the bay or diving, it is a brown pelican. The gular pouch color (yellow-orange in both) is less useful in the field than overall color and size.
Where and when are you most likely to see pelicans in Maryland?+
Brown pelicans begin arriving in Maryland in late May or early June and peak from July through September, with stragglers into October. They concentrate along the Atlantic coast, especially near Ocean City and Assateague Island, but are increasingly seen inside the Chesapeake Bay on low islands and shallow flats. American white pelicans appear during spring (March to May) and fall (September to October) migration, usually in small numbers and in the same areas as brown pelicans. Peak viewing for brown pelicans is mid-July through August in coastal bays and the lower Chesapeake. White pelicans are less predictable but appear most often in May and October. Check local birding hotlines and eBird for recent sightings to pinpoint the best viewing windows.
Are pelicans protected in Maryland?+
Yes, both brown pelicans and American white pelicans are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Brown pelicans were listed as endangered until 1985 and remain a conservation success story, rebounding from near extinction. American white pelicans have never been listed but are also fully protected. It is illegal to disturb nesting birds or their colonies. In Maryland, brown pelicans nest on low bay islands and should never be approached during breeding season. When viewing pelicans, maintain a safe distance, avoid sudden movements or loud noises, and respect any closures or signage at wildlife refuges. Responsible wildlife viewing protects these species for future generations.
Pelican Calls and Sounds?+
Brown pelicans are mostly silent but occasionally produce grunts, croaks, or hisses when competing for fish or at the nest. Young pelicans give loud, harsh calls. American white pelicans are also relatively quiet but may grunt during cooperative feeding. Neither species produces loud, frequent vocalizations like ducks or geese. In Maryland, you are far more likely to identify pelicans by sight than by sound. The splash of a diving brown pelican or the sight of their white heads on the water are the most reliable cues for finding them.
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