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Are There Brown Pelicans in New York?

Brown Pelicans are uncommon and irregular visitors to New York's Atlantic coast, appearing primarily in late summer and fall as young birds disperse from southern breeding colonies. The state's extensive coastal waters around Long Island and New York Harbor provide occasional stopover habitat for wandering pelicans.

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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.

Brown Pelican photographed in New York

Brown Pelican · Laura Gaudette CC BY

Brown Pelican photographed in New York

Brown Pelican · James Muehlner CC BY-SA

Brown Pelican photographed in New York

Brown Pelican · Jonathan Eisen CC BY

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Found in New York
1,185
GBIF records
6
birding hotspots

Yes, brown pelicans are in New York. Next you'll want:

Brown Pelicans are uncommon and irregular visitors to New York's Atlantic coast, appearing primarily in late summer and fall as young birds disperse from southern breeding colonies. The state's extensive coastal waters around Long Island and New York Harbor provide occasional stopover habitat for wandering pelicans.

Where Brown Pelicans Are Found in New York

Brown Pelicans occasionally occur along New York's Atlantic coast and occasionally at the mouth of the Hudson River, with most sightings concentrated on Long Island and in the New York Harbor area. Jamaica Bay, a large estuary in Queens surrounded by Brooklyn and Long Island, has hosted numerous pelican sightings and represents the most reliable location for encounters. The lower Hudson River where it meets the Atlantic at New York Harbor provides tidal waters and fish populations that attract wandering pelicans. Jones Beach on Long Island's south shore is another sighting hotspot, particularly near inlet areas. Peconic Bay on eastern Long Island has produced pelican records. The Atlantic beaches of Brooklyn and Queens occasionally host birds. Coney Island and the surrounding south Brooklyn shoreline have been visited by pelicans. Great Lakes shores in western New York rarely host pelicans, as these inland waters are less favorable than coastal areas. Visit theNew York wildlife hubto explore other coastal waterbirds found in these productive habitats.

Seasons and Timing in New York

Brown Pelicans appear in New York most frequently from August through November, with peak sightings typically occurring in September and October during the late summer dispersal season. Young pelicans fledge from Atlantic breeding colonies around July and August, and many wander northward along the coast, with some reaching New York. The fall migration corridor brings occasional birds through the area, and pelicans may establish temporary feeding territories in Jamaica Bay or other estuaries. Late summer and early fall provide the most productive viewing window. Spring migration in April and May occasionally brings pelicans northward, though spring sightings are much rarer than fall occurrences. Winter presence has become increasingly common as the species expands northward with climate change. Mild winters allow occasional birds to linger through December and January in the New York area. Freezing conditions generally limit winter presence as ice cover and cold water make hunting difficult. Most records cluster in the warmer half of the year.

How to Identify a Brown Pelican

Brown Pelicans are massive waterbirds reaching up to five feet in length with wingspans approaching ten feet, easily making them the largest water birds most New York observers will encounter. The most distinctive field mark is the enormous bill, which exceeds the length of the head and has a large expandable throat pouch underneath for scooping fish from water. Adult plumage is predominantly brown and grayish-brown with white to pale gray on the belly and neck. Breeding adults develop striking yellow, black, and red patches on the head and neck, but New York birds are typically non-breeding individuals lacking these bold colors. Juveniles are mostly brown overall with paler underparts and lack distinctive head markings. The combination of massive size, useful body, and huge bill makes identification straightforward when viewed clearly. In flight, Brown Pelicans display powerful wingbeats and often fly in formation just above the water surface in characteristic patterns.

Where Sightings Concentrate in New York

The highest concentration of Brown Pelican sightings in New York occurs at Jamaica Bay in Queens, where shallow productive waters and protective barrier islands create ideal stopover habitat. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, a protected area within Jamaica Bay, offers excellent observation points and has produced numerous documented sightings. The inlet areas around Jamaica Bay where ocean water exchanges with bay water concentrate fish and attract hunting pelicans. Jones Beach State Park on Long Island's south shore and nearby barrier islands represent another reliable sighting location. Plumb Beach and other Brooklyn shoreline areas have hosted records. The lower Hudson River near Battery Park in Manhattan occasionally hosts pelicans, particularly in the deeper channel areas. Jamaica Bay offers the most reliable viewing as it provides shallow waters, marsh islands for roosting, and abundant fish. Peconic Bay and eastern Long Island coastal areas are secondary sighting locations. TheNew York hubfeatures other waterbirds found in these same coastal zones.

Typical Behavior of Brown Pelicans

Brown Pelicans are specialized fish hunters that spend nearly all their time near water, feeding and resting between hunting sessions. These birds hunt by flying low over the water surface and diving steeply when spotting fish, plunging several feet underwater and using their large throat pouch to capture multiple fish at once. A single pelican may dive twenty to forty times in a productive day, each dive taking just a few seconds but requiring significant energy expenditure. Brown Pelicans are social birds that often roost in small groups on water, jetties, or rocky areas, sitting quietly for hours. They are powerful fliers capable of traveling long distances on steady wingbeats, which allows young birds to explore and disperse from natal colonies. In New York, pelicans spend mornings and afternoons hunting actively and evenings roosting at traditional spots, often on pilings or sandy areas. The birds may remain in the same general area for weeks if feeding is productive.

Coexistence and Legal Protections

Brown Pelicans are fully protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and federal law in all states, including New York. The species recovered from endangered status in 2009 but remains protected from harm, capture, or harassment. If you encounter a Brown Pelican in New York, observe from a respectful distance without attempting to approach, feed, or otherwise disturb the bird. The pelican should be allowed to hunt and rest undisturbed. Do not attempt to attract it with food or other means. Report any sighting to New York Audubon, the state Department of Environmental Conservation, or local birding groups. Photographs and detailed location notes are valuable for documentation. Your records help scientists monitor population changes and the northward range expansion of this recovering species. New York's coastal areas benefit from increased awareness and responsible observation practices by residents and visitors. See thenational wildlife hubfor more about migratory bird protection and ethical observation.

Species Easily Confused with Brown Pelicans

While Brown Pelicans are large and distinctive, several other waterbirds in New York share similar habitats or coloring and might cause confusion for inexperienced observers. The Great Blue Heron is a common coastal wader sharing similar brown and gray tones but has a far slimmer build with a long thin neck and pointed bill. Double-crested Cormorants are dark water divers common in New York's bays and estuaries but are much smaller than pelicans with thin necks and pointed bills rather than the massive bill and pouch. Common Loons, found on New York's lakes and coastal waters, are smaller water birds with different shapes and behaviors. Northern Gannets are white seabirds with black wings that dive like pelicans but are entirely different in appearance. Bald Eagles are large raptors seen near water but have distinctive white heads and dark bodies. American White Pelicans, though very rare in New York, are obviously white with black wing markings. The massive size and brown coloration of a Brown Pelican should make it unmistakable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Brown Pelicans breed in New York? No, New York does not host breeding colonies. Pelicans appearing here are dispersing young from Atlantic colonies or wanderers from established populations further south. How common are Brown Pelicans in New York? They are uncommon and irregular but increasingly reported, especially in fall. Most years produce several sightings, with Jamaica Bay being the most reliable location. What is the best time to look for Brown Pelicans in New York? Late summer through fall, particularly August through October, offers the best chance. Spring migration may produce sightings in April and May. How do I report a Brown Pelican sighting in New York? Contact New York Audubon, the Department of Environmental Conservation, or post to local birding groups and eBird. Photographs help verify sightings. Visit theNew York guideandstate hubfor more information.

Plan your brown pelican sighting in New York

1,185 verified brown pelican records have been logged in New York, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.

Where to look in New York

Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).

Recent brown pelican sightings

  • Breezy Point Tip · 2026-07-20 08:58 · 4 seen
  • Fort Tilden--Fishermans Parking Lot · 2026-07-19 08:30 · 1 seen
  • Fire Island--Watch Hill · 2026-07-18 07:30 · 2 seen
  • Fire Island--Sunken Forest · 2026-07-16 18:28 · 1 seen
  • Ocean Parkway, Babylon, New York, US (40.627, -73.359) · 2026-07-15 10:11 · 2 seen

Planning a trip to see brown pelican? Find places to stay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail on Booking.com.

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