A parade of White Pelicans~!

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Actually, according to Bird Fact and others, there are several collective nouns for a group of White Pelicans, including “a squadron, pod, pouch or scoop of pelicans” (and ‘parade’ is not one of them 😉).

I was fortunate to witness MANY groups of White Pelicans last week at Merritt Island NWR! They are so fun to watch, whether they’re coming or going, floating or dunking! 

“American white pelicans are one of the largest birds in North America with wingspans up to 9.5 feet across” (University of Florida IFAS Blog)!!

Right about this time of year, in late January, it seems I can always count on seeing White Pelicans at Merritt Island, and they’re often in good company with their friends the Roseate Spoonbills!

These giant white ‘snowbirds’ breed far up north in the western US and Canada, but migrate south and pass through Florida in the winter on their migration route to Central America.

32 thoughts on “A parade of White Pelicans~!”

  1. 🌊 On Merritt Island’s stage, a grand display, 🦢 A parade of White Pelicans, in the sun’s array. ☀️ Collective nouns, a curious tale, 📖 A squadron, pod, pouch, or scoop sets sail. 🚢

    Bird Fact whispers, and others decree, 🦩 Not a parade, but a spectacle to see. 🎭 Witnessing many, last week’s delight, 📆 Pelicans in groups, in morning light.

    Coming or going, their feathers gleam, 🕊️ Floating or dunking, a majestic dream. 🌅 Wingspans broad, up to 9.5 feet, 📏 In the Florida sky, a soaring feat.

    Snowbirds they are, in winter’s embrace, ❄️ Breed up north, a distant place. 🏔️ Yet in late January, like a familiar rhyme, 🗓️ White Pelicans gather, a seasonal chime.

    Friends with Spoonbills, a colorful pair, 🌺 Sharing the skies, a bond in the air. 🌈 Migration south, through the Florida gate, 🌴 To Central America, their wintering fate.

    🌊🦢☀️📖🚢🦩🎭📆🕊️🌅📏❄️🏔️🗓️🌺🌈🌴

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    • Thanks, AB. I’ve seen white pelicans here working together in a circle to herd the fish into the center so everyone can partake. These birds appear to be in a line. My husband pointed out that maybe the fish are so plentiful at Merritt Island, they don’t need to work as hard. 😅

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  10. Considering how much pelicans remind me of the flying boats of old I think squadron is an excellent collective noun for a group of them, but then again those white uniforms certainly are reminiscent of sailors on parade!

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