Brown Pelican in Dry Tortugas National Park
Plunge-diving fishers! Brown pelicans hunt Dry Tortugas waters year-round.
Wildlife
Wildlife
Brown pelicans are Dry Tortugas' most dramatic hunters—watch them plunge from the sky into the water to snatch fish. These marine specialists are likely visible on any boat tour or ferry trip through the park. Keep 25 yards back and enjoy one of nature's best shows!
Quick facts
- Scientific Name
- Pelecanus occidentalis
- Species Type
- Bird
- Conservation Status
- Least Concern
- Identifying Features
- Breeding birds: white head with yellow wash on crown, dark maroon-brown neck and nape, large throat pouch. Nonbreeding: all-white head and neck. Large wingspan and distinctive diving silhouette.
Species profile
- Scientific Name
- Pelecanus occidentalis
- Species Type
- Bird
- Conservation Status
- Least Concern
- Identifying Features
- Breeding birds: white head with yellow wash on crown, dark maroon-brown neck and nape, large throat pouch. Nonbreeding: all-white head and neck. Large wingspan and distinctive diving silhouette.
Where & when to look
- Where To See
- Throughout park waters—commonly visible from tour boats, ferry routes, and snorkeling areas around Garden Key, Fort Jefferson, Little Africa, and Loggerhead Key.
- Best Viewing Times
- Morning and afternoon, especially during feeding periods
- Sighting Frequency
- Common; likely visible on most boat trips and ferry visits
- Habitat Description
- Marine coastal waters. Roost on islands and mangroves; nest in colonies on secluded islands.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal (active during daylight hours)
- Hibernation Info
- Birds do not hibernate. Present year-round in Dry Tortugas.
Wildlife safety
- Dangerous
- 0
- Viewing Distance Required
- 25 yards (per National Park Service wildlife viewing guidelines)
- Safety Precautions
- Maintain 25-yard distance. Never feed birds. Observe from boats or designated viewing areas. Do not approach nesting colonies. Use binoculars for closer viewing.
- If Encountered
- Brown pelicans are completely harmless to humans. Simply observe and enjoy! Maintain distance for their comfort and to avoid disrupting feeding or nesting behavior.
- Never Feed Approach
- 1
- Report Sightings
- 1
- How To Report
- Contact Dry Tortugas ranger staff via visitor center or dock area rangers with sighting details: date, time, location, number observed, and behavior.
Photography & conservation
- Best Photo Locations
- Ferry decks, tour boat railings, snorkeling boat platforms. Use telephoto lens to maintain safe distance and capture diving behavior.
- Ethical Photography
- Use telephoto lens to maintain 25+ yard distance. Never approach nesting birds or chicks. Let birds feed undisturbed. Respect other visitors' viewing opportunities.
- Conservation Threats
- Historically endangered by DDT and pesticides (recovered following 1972 DDT ban). Current threats largely resolved.
- Protection Efforts
- Protected under National Park status. Nesting colonies managed to prevent human disturbance; fishing regulations protect food sources.
- How Visitors Help
- Maintain proper viewing distance and never feed. Report sightings to help NPS monitor populations. Practice responsible boating near wildlife.
Viewing advice
- Best Time To Visit
- Year-round. Peak visibility aligns with tourist season (spring/summer) when more tour boats operate.
- Viewing Tips
- Look for white (breeding) or grayish head and large brown wings
- Distinctive plunge-diving behavior is unmistakable
- Often seen flying low over water searching for fish
- Travel in loose groups or pods
- Tips Advice
- Scan the water for diving activity and splashes
- Best views from tour boat decks and ferry railings
- Binoculars reveal hunting details
- Listen for distinctive splashes during plunges
- Groups gather at productive fishing spots
- Accessibility
- Visible from tour boats and ferry routes; also from shore areas around Garden Key and Fort Jefferson.
- Family Friendly Notes
- Perfectly safe for all ages. Children love watching diving behavior. Keep children secure on moving boats to prevent falls. A great educational moment about marine food webs.
More details
- Diet
- Fish (caught by diving). Occasionally amphibians, crustaceans, and bird eggs.
- Breeding Season
- Breed in colonies; specific timing for Dry Tortugas unknown
- Nearby Facilities
- Fort Jefferson visitor center, ranger stations at ferry dock and Dock House, Garden Key Campground, snorkel tour departure areas.
- Recent Sightings
- Check with ranger staff for current activity status
More at Dry Tortugas National Park
Bottlenose Dolphin
The ocean's sharpest acrobat - watch bottlenose dolphins hunt and play from a safe distance.
Green Sea Turtle
Ocean's gentle herbivores! Green sea turtles graze seagrass and migrate epic distances through coastal park waters.
Osprey
Master fisher striking with precision! Scan the water at dawn.
Sources
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.