The Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is the only pelican species regularly found in Puerto Rico. It is a coastal resident that frequently dives for fish near shore. The much larger American White Pelican is a very rare eBird vagrant.
Top eBird Hotspots to Spot Pelicans
The Old Barge (Vieques) - Just off the bluff by Sea Glass beach and along all coastlines.
Reserva Marina Tres Palmas (Rincón): Pelicans are highly active here, often seen diving along the coast.
Cabo Rojo Salt Flats (Cabo Rojo): Excellent for observing coastal waterbirds, with pelicans often reported foraging.
Punta Boca Morena (Mayagüez): Data shows pelicans are up to \(4\) times more frequent here than the regional average.
Bosque Estatal de Piñones (Loíza): A highly consistent location for spotting them along the northern coastline.
Playa Crash Boat (Aguadilla): Popular for sightings, frequently documented by local birders.
Check the Puerto Rico eBird Portal to view recent sightings, upload your own checklists, or explore an interactive map of pelican hotspots across the island.