2 Types of Pelicans in New York

Only two pelican species have been documented as vagrants in New York. The American White Pelican is the more common of the two, with 110 recorded sightings on iNaturalist. Brown Pelicans account for 73 recorded sightings. Both appear during migration periods and are considered far outside their normal range when they arrive in New York. These are not breeding or wintering birds for the state; they are transient vagrants pushed north by weather or other environmental factors.

Pelican sightings in New York peak during September and July, with secondary peaks in May. September is by far the most active month, with 39 recorded observations. This timing aligns with late summer and early fall migration. Sightings in July (36 observations) likely represent early southbound migrants or individuals wandering beyond their normal range. May sightings (22 observations) are spring vagrants. From February through March, sightings drop to zero, indicating that pelicans do not winter in New York.

New York's climate, geography, and prey availability do not support pelican populations. Pelicans require large open water bodies for diving and fishing, consistent food supplies, and mild winters. New York's lakes and coastal waters freeze in winter, making survival difficult. The state also lacks the vast shallow lakes and estuaries that pelicans prefer. Additionally, New York sits well north of the pelican species' breeding and wintering ranges. When pelicans do appear, they are individuals that have been displaced by weather, food scarcity, or other factors pushing them far outside their normal distribution.

New York's lakes and rivers support abundant wading birds and waterbirds that occupy similar ecological roles. Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets are common along shorelines and marshes. Snowy Egrets, Tricolored Herons, and Least Bitterns nest in coastal wetlands. Double-crested Cormorants are found on lakes and coastal areas. Loons, grebes, and various duck species dive for fish. These birds are year-round or seasonal residents and far more predictable to observe than vagrants.

There is no historical record of pelicans breeding in New York. Fossil evidence and historical accounts indicate that pelicans have never established breeding colonies in the state. The climate, habitat, and latitude make New York unsuitable for pelican reproduction. All sightings in the state represent wandering individuals, not established populations.

Both American White and Brown Pelicans hunt by diving into water from low altitudes, scooping fish into their large throat pouches. They feed on schooling fish such as mullet, menhaden, anchovies, and herring. Their diet depends on what fish species are available in the waters they inhabit. Pelicans are efficient hunters and can catch several pounds of fish per day. In the estuaries and coastal waters where they normally occur, fish populations provide reliable food sources.

Pelican vagrants in New York have been recorded along the Atlantic coast, on Lake Champlain, along the Hudson River, and on large reservoirs in the interior. Coastal areas from Montauk to the New York Harbor attract the most sightings during migration. If you suspect a pelican sighting, check calm water bodies near fish populations. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to observe waterbirds. Always keep a safe distance and use binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens.

Yes, all pelican species in North America are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It is illegal to harm, kill, or keep pelicans without a federal permit. Pelican populations have recovered from historical hunting and pesticide exposure, particularly Brown Pelicans, which were removed from the endangered species list in 2009. Observing and reporting pelican sightings contributes to conservation efforts and long-term population monitoring.