Wildlife

Brown Pelican in Dry Tortugas National Park

Wildlife
Brown Pelican

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

Anhinga

The snakebird spears fish with a sharp beak—only its neck shows when swimming!

Bottlenose Dolphin

Brilliant marine hunters patrolling Dry Tortugas' warm waters—spot pods from the ferry or snorkeling boats!

Great Blue Heron

Patient hunters of the shallows! Spot these elegant wading birds around Garden Key.

Green Sea Turtle

Seagrass-eating turtles glide through Dry Tortugas' shallows—the ocean's gentlest herbivore!

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Reddish-brown ocean giant with a powerful jaw. Endangered by fishing gear and coastal threats.

Osprey

Crikey! Watch ospreys dive-bomb for fish—nature's perfect fishing machine!

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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.