Sarasota news events: Photo: Gordon Silver, thank you.
American White Pelicans are seasonal “snowbirds” in
, typically arriving in late October or November and remaining until March or April. Unlike the year-round resident brown pelicans, these large white birds migrate from breeding grounds in the northern United States and Canada.
Migration Timing
- Arrival: Large flocks usually reach Sarasota around November, often arriving around the Thanksgiving holiday.
- Departure: Most birds head back north in late February to April to begin their breeding season.
Best Places to See Them in Sarasota
White pelicans prefer secluded, shallow waters, estuaries, and inland lakes rather than the open gulf.
-
: A premier birding location where they are frequently spotted in the wetlands.
-
: Known for large gatherings, particularly along the river and Upper Myakka Lake.
- Little Sarasota Bay: Often seen in pods near
and the surrounding coastal mangroves.
-
: Ponds along White Eagle Boulevard are common “pit stops” for flocks moving through the area.
Quick Identification Tips
- Appearance: They have snowy white feathers with black wing tips that are only visible when their wings are spread.
- Size: They are massive, with a wingspan of up to 9–10 feet, making them one of the largest birds in North America.
- Feeding Style: Unlike brown pelicans, they do not dive for fish; instead, they float on the surface and “herd” fish together to scoop them up with their bills.
