Pelicans in Virginia: Spotting Tips

1. What Is the First Thing to Look For When Spotting Pelicans in Virginia?

Watch for a large, grayish-brown bird with a long bill and a distinctive throat pouch. Brown Pelicans fly low over the water with slow, deliberate wingbeats, often gliding close to the surface. When feeding, they plunge headfirst from heights of 10 to 20 feet. Look for groups gathered on sandbars, pilings, or channel markers.

In Virginia, pelicans sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where in the state sightings are most likely. 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...

2. How Does Habitat, Timing, and Behavior Change Your Search Plan?

Pelicans stick to saltwater areas: the Atlantic coast, Chesapeake Bay, and inland rivers like the James. They avoid freshwater lakes. Time your trip between April and October, with peak numbers in August and September. Early morning and late afternoon are best for active feeding. At low tide, they gather near exposed sandbars. In windy weather, they hug the lee side of islands.

3. What Is One Beginner Mistake to Avoid When Spotting Pelicans?

Do not confuse Double-crested Cormorants with pelicans. Cormorants are smaller, darker, and perch with wings spread to dry. Pelicans hold their wings folded. Also, beginners often expect pelicans to be pure white. In Virginia, Brown Pelicans are mostly gray and brown, not white. Juvenile pelicans have brown heads and necks, adults have white heads in breeding season.

4. Where Are the Most Reliable Places to See Pelicans in Virginia?

Start with theEastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel’s south island is a known roost. Also check Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Fisherman Island, and the jetties at Rudee Inlet in Virginia Beach. In fall, look for them resting on sandbars near Kiptopeke State Park. For detailed advice, see ourpelican spotting guide for Virginia.

See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.

5. How Can You Identify a Pelican in Flight?

Brown Pelicans have a distinctive flight style: a few stiff wingbeats followed by a glide. Their neck is folded back against the body, and the bill points downward. Compare with gulls and terns, which have faster wingbeats. At close range, look for the pale yellow crown on adults (breeding season) and the dark brown body. For more on pelican identification, visit ourpelican species page.

6. What Does Pelican Feeding Behavior Look Like?

Watch for a pelican circling then suddenly plummeting headfirst into the water. They surface with water streaming from their pouch, then tilt their head to swallow the fish. This plunge-dive is unique to pelicans. They also sometimes surface-feed or steal from other birds. Best viewing: from a pier or boat near schools of small fish like menhaden. For a deeper look into their habits, check ourVirginia wildlife section.