Pelican paradise: Florida’s other snowbirds make annual splash landing in Bradenton

Tiffany Tompkins
·1 min read

On the first day of 2025, Florida’s brown pelicans are sharing the waters of Cortez with their newly arrived winter companions, the white pelicans.

White pelicans are larger than brown pelicans and rank among North America’s largest birds. American white pelicans migrate to Florida to fill up on fish during the winter months, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Brown and white pelicans also differ in feeding habits. Brown pelicans dive for food, while white pelicans prefer to scoop their meals from the water’s surface, according to FWC. They’re also known to steal fish from other water birds, the University of Florida says.

Wildlife lovers still have several months to spot the snowy creatures around Bradenton. They hang out in Florida until around the beginning of spring, when they fly northwest to breed, according to the University of Florida.

Pelicans can be found on and around beaches, coastal lands, inlets and mangroves.

Pelicans gathered at the docks of Cortez on the mornings of Dec. 31st.
Pelicans gathered at the docks of Cortez on the mornings of Dec. 31st.
A fisherman pulls up to unload his catch as pelicans gathered at the docks of Cortez on the mornings of Dec. 31st.
A fisherman pulls up to unload his catch as pelicans gathered at the docks of Cortez on the mornings of Dec. 31st.
Pelicans gathered at the docks of Cortez on the mornings of Dec. 31st.
Pelicans gathered at the docks of Cortez on the mornings of Dec. 31st.
One pelican lifts his beak to the sky as pelicans gathered at the docks of Cortez on the mornings of Dec. 31st.
One pelican lifts his beak to the sky as pelicans gathered at the docks of Cortez on the mornings of Dec. 31st.
Pelicans gathered at the docks of Cortez on the mornings of Dec. 30.
Pelicans gathered at the docks of Cortez on the mornings of Dec. 30.

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