Florida is a haven for bird lovers. With over 400 bird species, it’s no wonder why it’s called the Sunshine State. Among these birds, there are some magnificent white birds with long beaks that are worth exploring. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, these stunning birds are sure to captivate your attention.
1. White Ibis
- Scientific Name: Eudocimus albus
- Wingspan: 41 inches
- Lifespan: 16 years
The white ibis is a fascinating bird that can be found year-round in Florida. It belongs to the family Threskiornithidae, which includes spoonbills. With its distinctive white plumage and red legs and bill, the white ibis is a sight to behold. It primarily feeds on invertebrates and is often seen foraging in shallow water.
2. Great Egret
- Scientific Name: Ardea Alba
- Wingspan: 67 inches
- Lifespan: 5 years
The great egret is another stunning white bird in Florida with a long beak. With its long neck, legs, and bright white feathers, it’s hard to miss. Great egrets are skilled hunters and excellent swimmers. They can be seen in freshwater and saltwater habitats, preying on small fish, amphibians, reptiles, and insects.
3. Whooping Crane
- Scientific Name: Grus americana
- Wingspan: 87 inches
- Lifespan: 24 years
The whooping crane is one of Florida’s most endangered birds. These majestic white birds with long necks and legs are a sight to behold. They mate for life and build nests near bodies of water. Their diet consists of eels, mollusks, aquatic insects, snails, and berries. Thanks to conservation efforts, their numbers have slowly increased, but they still face the risk of extinction.
4. Wood Stork
- Scientific Name: Mycteria americana
- Wingspan: 71 inches
- Lifespan: 18 years
The wood stork is a large white bird with a long, thick bill. It can be found in subtropical and tropical regions of the Americas, including Florida. Known for its distinctive appearance, the wood stork feeds on fish, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals. These birds are usually found near bodies of water such as lakes, swamps, and rivers.
5. American White Pelican
- Scientific Name: Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
- Wingspan: 120 inches
- Lifespan: 25 years
The American white pelican is a magnificent bird with an impressive wingspan of up to 10 feet. These migratory birds visit Florida during the winter months. They are social birds that often live in large colonies near water. American white pelicans are skilled fishers, using their bills to scoop up fish from the water. Their presence is truly awe-inspiring.
6. Great Blue Heron
- Scientific Name: Ardea herodias
- Wingspan: 66 – 79 inches
- Lifespan: 15 years
The great blue heron is one of North America’s most iconic birds. With its towering height of up to four feet and a wingspan of nearly six feet, this white bird with a long beak is truly a sight to behold. It can be found in the southern part of Florida, often wading in shallow ponds or patiently waiting to catch fish with its sharp bill.
7. Masked Booby
- Scientific Name: Sula Dactylatra
- Wingspan: 67 inches
- Lifespan: 20 years
The masked booby is a magnificent seabird known for its distinctive black mask-like markings around its eyes. With a wingspan of up to six feet, this white bird is found in tropical and subtropical regions, breeding on islands in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Although friendly and curious, they face predation from large birds of prey.
8. Snowy Egret
- Scientific Name: Egretta Thula
- Wingspan: 39.4 inches
- Lifespan: 16 years
The snowy egret is a stunning white bird with delicate plumage. Found in the southeastern United States, it is closely related to the great egret. These birds have long, thin necks, a black bill, and striking yellow feet. They feed on fish, crustaceans, and insects, using their bill as a spear or scoop. Despite their beauty, their numbers have been declining.
9. Cattle Egret
- Scientific Name: Bulbulcus Ibis
- Wingspan: 38 inches
- Lifespan: 10 years
The cattle egret is a smaller white bird with a long beak. While it is helpful to farmers as it eats insects harmful to farm animals, it can also be a pest, leaving its droppings on cars and buildings. With its yellow bill and long legs, it adds a touch of beauty to Florida’s landscape. These birds can be spotted throughout the year in Florida.
Where to Go Birding in Florida
If you’re interested in birdwatching in Florida, there are several fantastic spots to explore. Here are the top seven destinations:
- Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Everglades National Park
- Myakka River State Park
- Great Florida Birding Trail
- Big Cypress National Reserve
- Apalachicola National Forest
These locations offer excellent opportunities to observe and appreciate the diverse bird species that call Florida home. So grab your binoculars and get ready for an unforgettable birding experience in the Sunshine State!