2 Types of Pelicans in South Carolina
South Carolina is home to two pelican species: the Brown Pelican and the American White Pelican. The Brown Pelican is common year-round along the coast, while the American White Pelican visits during migration and winter. Start by looking along beaches, marshes, and inlets to spot these unmistakable birds.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 7, 2026.
- 5
- species recorded
- June, May, March
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
2 types of pelicans recorded in South Carolina
2 pelican species have a verified observation record in South Carolina, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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2
Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
32,687 verified observations on iNaturalist of pelican have been recorded in South Carolina, most often in June, May, March.
South Carolina is home to two pelican species: the Brown Pelican and the American White Pelican. The Brown Pelican is common year-round along the coast, while the American White Pelican visits during migration and winter. Start by looking along beaches, marshes, and inlets to spot these unmistakable birds.
1. What are the two types of pelicans found in South Carolina?
South Carolina hosts two pelican species: the Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) and the American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos). The Brown Pelican is the more common resident, while the American White Pelican is a seasonal visitor. Both are large water birds with distinctive pouched bills, but they differ in color, size, and behavior.
In South Carolina, 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.
2. How can you tell Brown Pelicans and American White Pelicans apart?
Brown Pelicans are grayish brown with a white head and neck (adults) and a dark belly. They are smaller, with a wingspan around 6 to 7 feet. American White Pelicans are almost entirely white with black flight feathers, a large orange bill, and a wingspan up to 9 feet. In flight, Brown Pelicans flap and glide low over water; White Pelicans soar in groups at higher altitudes.
Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around where in the state people usually notice them first, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in South Carolina. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.
3. Where and when are you most likely to see each pelican type in South Carolina?
Brown Pelicans are seen year-round along the entire coast, especially around Charleston, Hilton Head, and Myrtle Beach. Look for them on sandbars, docks, and jetties. American White Pelicans are present from late fall through early spring (October to March) on inland lakes, coastal estuaries, and large rivers like the Santee or ACE Basin. For best odds, visit coastal wildlife refuges such as Cape Romain or Huntington Beach State Park.
4. Do pelicans breed in South Carolina?
Yes, Brown Pelicans nest on barrier islands along the South Carolina coast. They build stick nests in trees or on the ground on isolated islands. Nesting season runs from March to August. American White Pelicans do not breed in South Carolina; they migrate north to the Great Plains and Great Basin for breeding.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. What is the conservation status of pelicans in South Carolina?
Brown Pelicans have recovered well after being endangered by DDT and are now common along the coast. American White Pelicans are not considered threatened, but they are less abundant as seasonal visitors. Both species benefit from protected habitats like the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and the ACE Basin, which you can explore through ourSouth Carolina wildlife hub.
6. What equipment do you need for pelican watching in South Carolina?
Binoculars (8x42 or similar) are essential for identifying pelicans at a distance. A field guide or a birding app helps separate species. For photography, a zoom lens of at least 300mm is useful. Check out ourpelican identification pagefor more tips. If you're planning a trip, consider bringing a notebook and a waterproof bag for gear.
7. Are there other large water birds that could be confused with pelicans?
Yes, cormorants, anhingas, and herons can sometimes be mistaken for pelicans. Cormorants are smaller, darker, and have hooked bills. Great Blue Herons are tall and slender with a sharp bill. For help telling them apart, visit ouranimals/pelicanpage for comparison tips. Wood storks also share similar habitats but have bald heads and black flight feathers.
8. What are the best locations for pelican spotting in South Carolina?
Top spots include Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, Huntington Beach State Park, and the ACE Basin. For Brown Pelicans, try the Charleston Harbor or Folly Beach. For American White Pelicans, the Santee State Park area and Lake Marion are good bets. You can find more detailed guides on ourSouth Carolina wildlife page. Remember to always observe from a distance and avoid disturbing nesting colonies.
9. How can you support pelican conservation and enjoy pelican-themed gear?
Observing pelicans responsibly and supporting local refuges helps. If you want to show your appreciation for these birds, check out our selection ofpelican art printsand other items from Easy Street Markets. For instance, thePelican Bird Lover T-Shirtfeatures a retro design that bird watchers enjoy. There is also a funnyPelican Mugfor coffee lovers, and aColorful Pelican Vinyl Decalto personalize your gear. These make great gifts for birding buddies.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the two types of pelicans found in South Carolina?+
South Carolina hosts two pelican species: the Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) and the American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos). The Brown Pelican is the more common resident, while the American White Pelican is a seasonal visitor. Both are large water birds with distinctive pouched bills, but they differ in color, size, and behavior. In South Carolina, 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.
2. How can you tell Brown Pelicans and American White Pelicans apart?+
Brown Pelicans are grayish brown with a white head and neck (adults) and a dark belly. They are smaller, with a wingspan around 6 to 7 feet. American White Pelicans are almost entirely white with black flight feathers, a large orange bill, and a wingspan up to 9 feet. In flight, Brown Pelicans flap and glide low over water; White Pelicans soar in groups at higher altitudes. Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around where in the state people usually notice them first, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in South Carolina. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.
3. Where and when are you most likely to see each pelican type in South Carolina?+
Brown Pelicans are seen year-round along the entire coast, especially around Charleston, Hilton Head, and Myrtle Beach. Look for them on sandbars, docks, and jetties. American White Pelicans are present from late fall through early spring (October to March) on inland lakes, coastal estuaries, and large rivers like the Santee or ACE Basin. For best odds, visit coastal wildlife refuges such as Cape Romain or Huntington Beach State Park.
4. Do pelicans breed in South Carolina?+
Yes, Brown Pelicans nest on barrier islands along the South Carolina coast. They build stick nests in trees or on the ground on isolated islands. Nesting season runs from March to August. American White Pelicans do not breed in South Carolina; they migrate north to the Great Plains and Great Basin for breeding. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. What is the conservation status of pelicans in South Carolina?+
Brown Pelicans have recovered well after being endangered by DDT and are now common along the coast. American White Pelicans are not considered threatened, but they are less abundant as seasonal visitors. Both species benefit from protected habitats like the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and the ACE Basin, which you can explore through ourSouth Carolina wildlife hub.
6. What equipment do you need for pelican watching in South Carolina?+
Binoculars (8x42 or similar) are essential for identifying pelicans at a distance. A field guide or a birding app helps separate species. For photography, a zoom lens of at least 300mm is useful. Check out ourpelican identification pagefor more tips. If you're planning a trip, consider bringing a notebook and a waterproof bag for gear.
7. Are there other large water birds that could be confused with pelicans?+
Yes, cormorants, anhingas, and herons can sometimes be mistaken for pelicans. Cormorants are smaller, darker, and have hooked bills. Great Blue Herons are tall and slender with a sharp bill. For help telling them apart, visit ouranimals/pelicanpage for comparison tips. Wood storks also share similar habitats but have bald heads and black flight feathers.
8. What are the best locations for pelican spotting in South Carolina?+
Top spots include Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, Huntington Beach State Park, and the ACE Basin. For Brown Pelicans, try the Charleston Harbor or Folly Beach. For American White Pelicans, the Santee State Park area and Lake Marion are good bets. You can find more detailed guides on ourSouth Carolina wildlife page. Remember to always observe from a distance and avoid disturbing nesting colonies.
9. How can you support pelican conservation and enjoy pelican-themed gear?+
Observing pelicans responsibly and supporting local refuges helps. If you want to show your appreciation for these birds, check out our selection ofpelican art printsand other items from Easy Street Markets. For instance, thePelican Bird Lover T-Shirtfeatures a retro design that bird watchers enjoy. There is also a funnyPelican Mugfor coffee lovers, and aColorful Pelican Vinyl Decalto personalize your gear. These make great gifts for birding buddies. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Keep exploring
More places to see pelican
More wildlife in South Carolina