25 Florida Beach Birds Uncovered: ID Guide to Shore Wonders

Florida Beach Birds are the true sunbathers and wave-riders of the Sunshine State.

Discover the vibrant, feathered locals that make Florida’s coastline their paradise.

Dive into this article to learn fascinating facts, surprising tales, and the inside scoop on our avian beach bums.

Who needs sunscreen when you have wings?

What Kind of  Shore Birds Can You Find in Florida?

There are around 25 different species of shore birds that can be found along the coast of Florida like

1. American Oystercatcher

The American Oystercatcher is a striking shorebird that can be found along the coastlines of North America, including Florida. 

Here are a few key points about this fascinating bird:

• The American Oystercatcher has distinctive black and white plumage, with a bright red bill and yellow eyes.
• These birds are named for their unique feeding habits – they use their strong bills to pry open oysters and other shellfish.
• American Oystercatchers are monogamous and form pairs for life. They typically nest on the ground in sandy areas near the coast.
• This species is considered threatened in many areas due to habitat loss and disturbance from human activity. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these beautiful birds and their coastal habitats.

2. Black-bellied Plover

Another fascinating shorebird species found in Florida is the Black-bellied Plover. 

Here are some key points about this striking bird:

• The Black-bellied Plover is a medium-sized shorebird that breeds in the Arctic and winters along the coasts of North America, including Florida.
• These birds have a striking appearance, with a black belly and face, white forehead and breast, and gray wings and back.
• Black-bellied Plovers feed on a variety of invertebrates, including insects, crustaceans, and mollusks.
• During breeding season, males perform elaborate aerial displays to attract females, including soaring and tumbling in the air.

3. Black Skimmer

The Black Skimmer is a unique and charismatic shorebird that can be found along the Florida coastline. 

Here are some key features of the Black Skimmer:

• The Black Skimmer has a striking black and white plumage, with a bright red bill that has a lower mandible that is longer than the upper mandible.
• They fly low over the water with their bills open, skimming the surface and snapping shut when they detect prey.
• Black Skimmers form large colonies for breeding, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties.
• Black Skimmers are vulnerable to habitat loss and disturbance from human activity, particularly on their breeding grounds.

4. Brown Pelican

The Brown Pelican is a large and iconic bird that can be found along the coastlines of Florida.

Here are some key features of the Brown Pelican:

• Brown Pelicans have a distinctive appearance, with a large pouched bill, dark brown feathers, and a white head and neck.
• These birds are known for their spectacular diving behavior – they plunge headfirst into the water from heights of up to 60 feet to catch fish.
• Brown Pelicans were once listed as endangered due to the effects of DDT on their reproductive success, but conservation efforts have led to a successful recovery and the species is now considered of least concern.
• Brown Pelicans are also an important indicator species for the health of coastal ecosystems, as they are sensitive to changes in water quality and availability of prey.

5. Common Loon

The Common Loon is a large and distinctive bird that can be found in both freshwater and saltwater habitats in Florida. With its striking appearance and haunting call, this species is a favorite among birdwatchers. 

Here are some key features of the Common Loon:

• Common Loons have a striking black and white plumage, with distinctive red eyes and a pointed bill.
• These birds are known for their distinctive calls, which range from haunting wails to soft hoots and yodels.
• Common Loons are adapted for swimming and diving, with their solid bones and webbed feet. They can dive to depths of up to 200 feet in search of fish.
• Common Loons are vulnerable to pollution and disturbance from human activity, particularly on their breeding grounds.

6. Double-crested Cormorant

The Double-crested Cormorant is a large and distinctive waterbird that can be found along the coasts and inland waterways of Florida. 

Here are some key features of the Double-crested Cormorant:

• Double-crested Cormorants have a distinctive appearance, with sleek black feathers, a long neck, and a hooked bill.
• These birds are expert divers, using their powerful legs and webbed feet to swim underwater in search of fish.
• Double-crested Cormorants are also known for their unique behavior of perching with their wings spread out in the sun – this is thought to help dry their feathers after diving.
• Double-crested Cormorants are vulnerable to pollution and disturbance from human activity, particularly on their breeding grounds.

7. Great Blue Heron

The Great Blue Heron is a majestic and graceful bird that can be found in a variety of aquatic habitats throughout Florida. 

Here are some key features of the Great Blue Heron:

• Great Blue Herons have a distinctive appearance, with blue-gray plumage, a long neck, and a spear-like bill.
• These birds are expert fishers, using their sharp eyesight and stealthy movements to catch fish in shallow water.
• Great Blue Herons are known for their elaborate courtship displays, which involve elaborate calls and synchronized movements.
• Although they are not considered threatened, Great Blue Herons are vulnerable to habitat loss and disturbance from human activity, particularly on their nesting sites.

8. Laughing Gull

The Laughing Gull is a distinctive and vocal bird that can be found along the coastlines of Florida.

Here are some key features of the Laughing Gull:

• Laughing Gulls have a distinctive appearance, with a black head, white body, and gray wings. 
• During the breeding season, their heads turn a deep chocolate brown.
• These birds are known for their loud, laughing call – hence their name!
• Laughing Gulls are opportunistic feeders, eating a variety of foods including fish, insects, and even garbage.
• Laughing Gulls are vulnerable to habitat loss and disturbance from human activity, particularly on their nesting sites.

9. Least Sandpiper

The Least Sandpiper is a small and unassuming bird that can be found in a variety of coastal and freshwater habitats throughout Florida. 

Here are some key features of the Least Sandpiper:

• Least Sandpipers have a distinctive appearance, with a brown and white mottled plumage and a straight, thin bill.
• These birds are expert foragers, using their sensitive bills to probe mud and sand for tiny invertebrates.
• Least Sandpipers are known for their long migration routes – some individuals travel over 6,000 miles each way from their breeding grounds in the Arctic to their wintering grounds in South America.
• Although they are not considered threatened, Least Sandpipers are vulnerable to habitat loss and disturbance from human activity, particularly on their breeding and migration routes.

10. Magnificent Frigatebird

The Magnificent Frigatebird is a large and impressive seabird that can be found along the coastlines of Florida. 

 Here are some key features of the Magnificent Frigatebird:

• Magnificent Frigatebirds have a distinctive appearance, with a large wingspan, black plumage, and a distinctive red throat pouch.
• These birds are known for their unique feeding behavior – they often steal food from other seabirds, using their agile flight and quick reflexes to snatch prey from the air.
• Magnificent Frigatebirds are also known for their elaborate courtship displays, which involve puffing up their throat pouches and performing acrobatic aerial maneuvers.
• Although they are not considered threatened, Magnificent Frigatebirds are vulnerable to habitat loss and disturbance from human activity, particularly on their nesting sites.

11. Osprey

The Osprey is a large and impressive bird of prey that can be found along the coastlines and inland waterways of Florida. 

Here are some key features of the Osprey:

• Ospreys have a distinctive appearance, with a large wingspan, brown and white plumage, and a hooked bill.
• These birds are expert hunters, using their keen eyesight and powerful talons to catch fish in shallow water.
• Ospreys are also known for their unique nesting behavior – they construct large stick nests in high places, including on utility poles and other human-made structures.
• Although they are not considered threatened, Ospreys are vulnerable to habitat loss and disturbance from human activity, particularly on their nesting sites.

12. Piping Plover

The Piping Plover is a small and endangered bird that can be found along the coastlines of Florida. 

Here are some key features of the Piping Plover:

• Piping Plovers have a distinctive appearance, with pale brown and white plumage and a black band across their forehead.
• These birds are adapted for life on the beach, using their thin, agile legs to run along the sand in search of small invertebrates.
• Piping Plovers are listed as endangered due to habitat loss and disturbance from human activity, particularly on their nesting sites. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these beautiful birds and their coastal habitats.
• Birdwatchers are encouraged to observe Piping Plovers from a distance and avoid disturbing them or their nests.

13. Red Knot

The Red Knot is a medium-sized shorebird that can be found along the coastlines of Florida during its annual migration. 

Here are some key features of the Red Knot:

• Red Knots have a distinctive appearance, with a reddish-brown plumage during breeding season and a pale gray-brown plumage during migration.
• Some individuals travel up to 9,000 miles each way from their breeding grounds in the Arctic to their wintering grounds in South America.
• They use their sensitive bills to probe mudflats and sand for small invertebrates, including horseshoe crab eggs.
• Red Knots are vulnerable to habitat loss and disturbance from human activity, particularly on their migration routes and wintering grounds.

14. Reddish Egret

The Reddish Egret is a striking and charismatic bird that can be found along the coastlines and estuaries of Florida.. 

Here are some key features of the Reddish Egret:

• Reddish Egrets have a distinctive appearance, with shaggy, rust-colored feathers and a long, thin bill.
• These birds are expert hunters, using a unique foraging behavior known as “dancing” – they run, hop, and spin in shallow water to startle prey into revealing themselves.
• Reddish Egrets are considered a species of special concern in Florida, as their populations have declined due to habitat loss and disturbance from human activity.
• Conservation efforts are underway to protect Reddish Egret populations and their coastal habitats, making them an important species for birdwatchers and nature lovers to appreciate and protect.

15. Ring-billed Gull

The Ring-billed Gull is a common and widespread bird that can be found throughout Florida. With its distinctive appearance and opportunistic feeding behavior, this species is a fascinating sight for birdwatchers. 

Here are some key features of the Ring-billed Gull:

• Ring-billed Gulls have a distinctive appearance, with gray and white plumage and a distinctive black ring around their bill.
• These birds are opportunistic feeders, eating a variety of foods including fish, insects, and even garbage.
• Ring-billed Gulls are known for their loud, raucous calls and aggressive behavior towards other birds during breeding season.
• Ring-billed Gulls are vulnerable to habitat loss and disturbance from human activity, particularly on their nesting sites.

16. Ruddy Turnstone

The Ruddy Turnstone is a small and striking shorebird that can be found along the coastlines and beaches of Florida. 

Here are some key features of the Ruddy Turnstone:

• Ruddy Turnstones have a distinctive appearance, with a mottled brown and white plumage and a distinctive orange and black bill.
• These birds are named for their habit of turning over stones and other objects on the beach in search of food, including small invertebrates and crustaceans.
• Ruddy Turnstones are known for their long-distance migration routes.
• Ruddy Turnstones are vulnerable to habitat loss and disturbance from human activity, particularly on their migration routes and wintering grounds.

17. Sanderling

The Sanderling is a small and energetic shorebird that can be found along the coastlines and beaches of Florida. 

Here are some key features of the Sanderling:

• Sanderlings have a distinctive appearance, with a mottled brown and white plumage and a slightly curved bill.
• These birds are known for their fast-paced feeding behavior – they run up and down the beach in search of small invertebrates and crustaceans, including sand crabs and small clams.
• Sanderlings are adapted for life on the beach, with their sturdy legs and webbed feet helping them navigate the shifting sands.
• Sanderlings are vulnerable to habitat loss and disturbance from human activity, particularly on their migration routes and wintering grounds.

18. Sandwich Tern

The Sandwich Tern is a striking and elegant seabird that can be found along the coastlines and estuaries of Florida. 

Here are some key features of the Sandwich Tern:

• Sandwich Terns have a distinctive appearance: a white body, black cap, and distinctive yellow-tipped black bill.
• These birds are expert hunters, diving from heights of up to 30 feet into the water to catch small fish.
• Sandwich Terns are named for their nesting habits – they often lay their eggs in shallow depressions in the sand, creating a “sandwich” of eggs between the ground and a thin layer of shells or vegetation.
• Although they are not considered threatened, Sandwich Terns are vulnerable to habitat loss and disturbance from human activity, particularly on their nesting sites.

19. Snowy Egret

The Snowy Egret is a small and graceful bird that can be found along the coastlines and wetlands of Florida. 

Here are some key features of the Snowy Egret:

• Snowy Egrets have a distinctive appearance, with a white body, black legs, and bright yellow feet. During breeding season, they also grow long, wispy plumes on their heads and backs.
• These birds are expert hunters, using their sharp eyesight and agile movements to catch small fish, crustaceans, and other invertebrates in shallow water.
• Snowy Egrets were heavily hunted for their feathers in the 19th century, leading to a significant decline in their populations. However, conservation efforts have helped to restore their numbers and protect their habitats.
• Although they are not considered threatened, Snowy Egrets are vulnerable to habitat loss and disturbance from human activity, particularly on their nesting sites.

20. Spotted Sandpiper

The Spotted Sandpiper is a small and distinctive shorebird that can be found along the coastlines and freshwater habitats of Florida. 

Here are some key features of the Spotted Sandpiper:

• Spotted Sandpipers have a distinctive appearance, with a brown and white mottled plumage and distinctive black spots on their undersides during breeding season.
• These birds are known for their unique foraging behavior – they bob their tails up and down while walking along the shore, a behavior that may help them to startle prey into revealing themselves.
• Spotted Sandpipers are also known for their promiscuous mating behavior – females typically take multiple mates during the breeding season, and males are responsible for incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks.
• Although they are not considered threatened, Spotted Sandpipers are vulnerable to habitat loss and disturbance from human activity, particularly on their breeding sites.

21. Tricolored Heron

The Tricolored Heron is a small and striking bird that can be found along the coastlines and wetlands of Florida. 

Here are some key features of the Tricolored Heron:

• Tricolored Herons have a distinctive appearance, with blue-gray plumage, a white belly.
• These birds are known for their unique hunting behavior.
• Tricolored Herons are considered a species of special concern in Florida.
• Conservation efforts are underway to protect Tricolored Heron populations and their wetland habitats, making them an important species for birdwatchers and nature lovers to appreciate and protect.

22. Western Sandpiper

The Western Sandpiper is a small and energetic shorebird that can be found along the coastlines and wetlands of Florida during its annual migration. 

Here are some key features of the Western Sandpiper:

• Western Sandpipers have a distinctive appearance, with a mottled brown and white plumage and a slightly curved bill.
• These birds are known for their fast-paced feeding behavior.
• Western Sandpipers are known for their long-distance migration routes.
• Western Sandpipers are vulnerable to habitat loss and disturbance from human activity, particularly on their migration routes and wintering grounds.

23. White Ibis

The White Ibis is a common and striking bird that can be found throughout Florida, particularly in wetland habitats. 

Here are some key features of the White Ibis:

• White Ibises have a distinctive appearance, with a white body, black wingtips, and a long, curved bill.
• These birds are known for their unique foraging behavior – they use their long bills to probe the soft mud for small invertebrates and crustaceans, including worms and shrimp.
• White Ibises are also known for their social behavior – they often gather in large flocks to roost and feed together.
• Although they are not considered threatened, White Ibises are vulnerable to habitat loss and disturbance from human activity, particularly on their nesting sites.

24. Willet

The Willet is a large and striking shorebird that can be found along the coastlines and wetlands of Florida.. 

Here are some key features of the Willet:

• Willets have a distinctive appearance, with a mottled gray and white plumage and a long, slightly curved bill.
• These birds are known for their unique foraging behavior – they use their bills to probe the mud and sand for small invertebrates, including crabs and worms.
• Willets are also known for their distinctive call, which sounds like “pill-will-willet.”
• Although they are not considered threatened, Willets are vulnerable to habitat loss and disturbance from human activity, particularly on their nesting sites.

25. Yellow-crowned Night Heron

The Yellow-crowned Night Heron is a striking and elusive bird that can be found along the coastlines and wetlands of Florida. 

Here are some key features of the Yellow-crowned Night Heron:

• Yellow-crowned Night Herons have a distinctive appearance, with a gray and white plumage, black crown, and distinctive yellow plumes on their head and neck during breeding season.
• These birds are primarily nocturnal hunters, feeding on small fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic prey under the cover of darkness.
• Yellow-crowned Night Herons are considered a species of special concern in Florida, as their populations have declined due to habitat loss and disturbance from human activity.
• Conservation efforts are underway to protect Yellow-crowned Night Heron populations and their wetland habitats, making them an important species for birdwatchers and nature lovers to appreciate and protect.

What is the name of the little birds on the beach in Florida?

The small birds commonly seen on Florida beaches are likely to be Sanderlings, Ruddy Turnstones, or Least Sandpipers.

What birds fly around the beach?

Many different species of birds can be seen flying around Florida beaches, including gulls, terns, pelicans, and shorebirds like Willets and Black Skimmers.

What are the tall birds on Florida beaches?

The tall birds commonly seen on Florida beaches are likely to be wading birds like Great Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, and Tricolored Herons.

What is the main bird of Florida?

There is no single “main bird” of Florida, as the state is home to a diverse array of bird species. However, some of the most iconic birds of Florida include the Florida Scrub-Jay, Roseate Spoonbill, and Bald Eagle.

What should I do if I see an injured bird on a Florida beach?

If you see an injured bird on a Florida beach, it’s important to proceed with caution and not approach the bird too closely.

Explore the Fascinating World of Florida Beach Birds

Florida’s beaches are a haven for birdwatchers, with a diverse array of species to discover and appreciate. From the elegant Great Blue Heron to the energetic Sanderling, each bird brings its own unique beauty and behavior to the coastal ecosystem.

By exploring the world of Florida beach birds, we can gain a greater appreciation for the natural world and the importance of protecting these habitats for future generations. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, there’s always something new to discover along Florida’s shores.

So pack your binoculars and head to the beach – you never know what fascinating feathered friends you might find.

No matter where you are in Florida’s 1,350 -mile coastline, you’re sure to find magnificent Florida beach birds. From the largest herons, pelicans, ibis, and spoonbills to the smallest gulls, willets, and dowitchers, Florida is a haven for watching sea birds soar on ocean currents, dive into the sea, and glean for seafood.  

Straddling from the north and west through the panhandle, and to the south to Keys, then around the Gulf of Mexico, Florida’s shoreline is the second largest in the United States. The Sunshine State is famous for its vibrant nightlife, diverse Everglades, and the grand Disney World.

It’s also a top destination for beach lovers who double as birding enthusiasts. Whether you’re yachting, playing on the sand, or just resting by the shores, you won’t miss gulls or pelicans chirping and hunting for seafood.

Let’s learn about some of the most popular Florida beach birds.

Where To Watch Florida Beach Birds

You can watch the seabirds of Florida anywhere along the coastline. No matter where you are or doing, whether it’s hiking in the rocky islands, surfing deep in the Atlantic, or resting by the beach side, you’re sure to spot beach birds.

Don’t forget to bring your birdwatching scope and camera to capture the amazing action of seabirds when birding on Florida’s beaches and bays. You’ll also see birds perching on mangrove trees and gliding by the seawalls and piers. The best time to watch Florida beach birds is during the evenings and mornings.

Popular Types of Florida Beach Birds

The next time you visit any of the charming beaches of the Sunshine State, here are the most common beach birds you’re likely to spot:

1. Gulls

Gulls are a common sight along the coast of Florida and can be found on any of the coastlines from the Keys to the Gulf. There are three species of gulls you can find on Florida beaches: the Laughing Gull, the Red-Billed Gull, and the Herring Gull.

You’ll probably see them scavenging for food around beachside restaurants and trash bins. These birds are opportunistic feeders and will eat a wide range of food, including fish, invertebrates, and garbage. Gulls are intelligent birds, so get ready with your birding monocular to seize every moment you find these birds using tools to solve birds’ problems.

2. Pelicans

Pelicans are popular, large, wading beach birds along beaches of Florida and you can find them in a variety of habitats, including coastal marshes, estuaries, and open oceans. When you catch a boat or yacht, you’ll probably spot them following you around as they try to catch fish rattled by the boat’s wake.

The most common type of pelican on the coast of Florida is the Brown Pelican. It has spectacular diving abilities—it plunges headfirst into the water from heights of up to 60 feet to catch its prey. You can easily recognize it by its long, flat bill and distinctive, puffed-up throat pouch.

The Brown Pelican has brown and white plumage, with a white head and neck, a dark brown back and wings, and a pale belly. It has long, pointed wings and a powerful, muscular body, and is an excellent flier. You can find them near the shore, perching on piers, seawalls, and other structures near the water.

3. Herons

Tallest among all wading Florida beach birds, the Great Blue Heron, can be seen standing motionless in the water, trying to surprise and snatch unsuspecting sardines. Other types of herons that cherish this beautiful coastline include the Little Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, and the Great White Heron.

Smaller than her cousin, the Great Blue Heron, the Little Blue Heron wears a bluish plumage, with reddish-buff on their necks. Young Little Blue Heron has a light, ash-gray color, with a white head and neck and a thin, pointed bill. As they mature, they transition to a deeper bluish color.

The Great White Heron and the White Egret share many characteristics, only that the egret’s legs are long and black while the heron’s legs are long but light colored. Snowy Egret takes the body, shape, and color of the Great White Heron, but it’s distinctive, with its florescent yellow feet.

4. Ibis

Along Florida’s coastline, you’ll meet the Ibis, a beach bird famous for only grunting or croaking on its breeding grounds. If you see quiet, gregarious Florida beach birds, then be confident they are ibises.

You can find the White Ibis, Glossy Ibis, and White-faced Ibis along the shores of Florida. The White Ibis is a medium-sized shorebird with a long, curved bill and long, thin legs. It has a white plumage with a pinkish hue and a distinctive, downward-curving bill.

Similar in size to the White Ibis, the Glossy Ibis has a glossy, iridescent plumage that ranges in color from violet to purplish-black and emerald. Long-legged and long-billed, just like the Glossy Ibis, the White-faced Ibis has a narrow, white band on the face and a glossy maroon body with bronze and metallic green tones.

5. Roseate Spoonbill

With bright pink plumage, the Roseate Spoonbill is arguably the most beautiful of all Florida beach birds. It has a long, broad bill that is shaped like a spoon, with a slightly upturned tip. It has a long, thin neck and long, thin legs, and stands up to three feet tall.

Besides the beach, you can find these birds in wetlands, marshes, and shallow ponds of Florida. They breed in colonies and feed on small fish, mollusks, snails, and other crustaceans. You like to spot them at dawn and dusk, foraging on the shores or flying in large flocks.

6. Black Skimmer

Tern-like with a stark black top and white underside, the Black skimmer has a long bill with the lower mandible slightly longer than the upper mandible. This allows this seabird to skim and snap fish with ease. Its plumage is predominantly black, with white underparts and a white patch on its forehead.

Black skimmers are popular along the coasts and in estuaries of Florida, where they feed small fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic animals. They are most active at dawn and dusk, and can often be seen flying low over the water, dipping their bill into the water to catch their prey.

7. Terns

Related to gulls, terns are slender Florida seabirds with long, narrow bills, and forked tails. Types of beach tern birds on Florida’s coast include Royal Tern, Sandwich Tern, Roseate Tern, and Forster’s Tern. These birds have a light gray back and wings, a white head and underparts, and a black cap that becomes patchy in winter.

8. Ospreys

Ospreys aren’t your common beach birds; they just appear on the beach a few times a day when scavenging for fish. You’ll see them perching on piers and poles as they scan the water for their prey.

Ospreys have long wings and a sharp, curved beak adapted for catching fish. When they spot a fish, they will dive toward the water and snatch the fish up in their talons. They are skilled hunters and can catch a variety of different fish species.