White Birds In Florida With Long Beaks [With Images]

Welcome to the world of Florida’s elegant white birds with long beaks! Have you ever spotted a bird that’s white and has a really long beak? Well, you’re in for a treat! In this blog post, we’re going to explore some amazing birds in Florida that fit this description.

These birds stand out with their bright white feathers and impressive long beaks. They add a touch of grace to Florida’s landscapes, and they’re a sight to behold. We’ll introduce you to a variety of these beautiful birds, tell you where you can find them, and share some interesting facts about their lives.

List of White Birds with Long Beaks in Florida

White Ibis

The White Ibis is a common wading bird in Florida and often moves around in groups. It is very social throughout the year, as it likes to roost and feed together in flocks, build nests in colonies, and fly in formation.

The White Ibis is protected by laws like the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Florida Endangered and Threatened Species Rule (68A-4.001, F.A.C.), which prevent it from being harmed or captured.

Frequency in Florida:  White Ibis have been reported 30% on Summer checklists and 38% on winter checklists by Birdswatchers of Florida.

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• Scientific name: Eudocimus albus
• Lifespan: 25 to 27 years
• Size: 21 to 28 inches
• Native to: Virginia via the Gulf Coast of the United States

The white ibis, scientifically known as Eudocimus albus, is a fascinating bird species that can be found year-round in Florida. Belonging to the family Threskiornithidae, which also includes spoonbills, this bird is easily recognizable by its white plumage, especially during the breeding season.

Sporting striking red legs and a long, curved bill measuring around 6.6 to 7.1 inches, the white ibis primarily feeds on invertebrates. It often wades through shallow waters, skillfully searching for its food.

Nesting in colonies, these birds prefer to build their nests in trees or shrubs near water bodies. The female lays three to five eggs, and both parents actively participate in caring for the young, making them devoted parents.

Great Egret

Great Egrets live in Florida all year round and can be found in many different wet areas like marshes, swamps, rivers, ponds, lakes, and flooded fields.

In 2021, Great Egrets built 15,306 nests in Florida, which is a lot compared to the average over the past 10 years. Only the nesting record in 2018 was higher than that.

Breeding can happen at any time of the year in Florida, but it mostly occurs from May to August. Male Great Egrets have a fascinating way of courting females to attract them.

Frequency in Florida:  Great Egrets have been reported 31% on Summer checklists and 41% on winter checklists by Birdswatchers of Florida.

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• Scientific name: Ardea alba
• Lifespan: 15 years
• Size: 3 feet
• Native to: Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe

The great egret, scientifically known as Ardea alba, is another remarkable white bird commonly found in Florida. Known for its graceful appearance, it boasts a long neck, legs, and dazzling white plumage.

This elegant bird possesses a formidable weapon in its long, dagger-like yellow bill, making it an exceptional hunter. Its diet mainly consists of small fish, amphibians, reptiles, and insects, and it is also an adept swimmer.

A sociable creature, the great egret often forms colonies with other egrets. It can be spotted across Florida, particularly between March and April, favoring both freshwater and saltwater habitats.

Wood Stork

The Wood Stork is the only stork that is native in North America and it has a wingspan of more than five feet.

At one point, the Wood Stork was in great danger because it was losing its nesting areas. However, it has made an impressive recovery.

The Wood Stork often visits golf courses and can be seen in places like freshwater marshes, pastures, and open woodland in Florida.

Frequency in Florida:  Wood Storks have been reported 7% on Summer checklists and 17% on winter checklists by Birdswatchers of Florida.

• Scientific name: Mycteria americana
• Lifespan: at least 22 years
• Size: over 3 feet tall
• Native to: Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas
• Beak length on average is 6.6 inches (17 cm).

The wood stork, scientifically known as Mycteria americana, is a magnificent large wading bird characterized by its long, sturdy bill. Belonging to the genus Mycteria, this impressive white bird can be found in subtropical and tropical regions of the Americas, ranging from Florida and Cuba to Brazil and Argentina. It frequents areas near water bodies such as lakes, swamps, and rivers.

With an impressive wingspan of up to 71 inches, the adult wood stork is predominantly white, distinguished by its black flight feathers. Their thick, curved bills are perfectly adapted for scooping up fish from shallow waters. While their diet mainly consists of fish, they are known to consume amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals as well.

American White Pelican

The American White Pelican is a migratory bird. However, there are some populations that stay permanently in certain areas, like the Texas coast and Mexico. During the breeding season, the pelicans from the northern plains migrate to warmer coastal areas in the southeast and southwest. Some pelicans that don’t breed also stay in their winter range, particularly in Florida, throughout the summer.

Frequency in Florida:  American White Pelicans have been reported 1% on Summer checklists and 7% on winter checklists by Birdswatchers of Florida.

• Scientific name: Pelecanus
• Lifespan: 15 – 25 years
• Size: 48 inches
• Native to: all continents except Antarctica
• Beak length is typically 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm)

The American white pelican, scientifically known as Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, is a remarkable bird with an astonishing wingspan of up to 10 feet. Mostly white in appearance, it showcases red-yellow bills and striking orange feet. These migratory birds grace Florida with their presence during the winter months, often forming large colonies near water bodies. Their diet includes fish, frogs, and salamanders, and you can frequently witness them swimming in groups while skillfully using their bills to scoop up fish.

Observing the American white pelican in action is a delight, given their social nature and captivating beauty. Their grandeur and size make them a sight to behold.

Whooping Crane

The Whooping Crane is the tallest bird in North America and it represents the importance of safeguarding endangered species. Because of extensive hunting, the Whooping Crane was almost wiped out in the early 20th century.

By the mid-20th century, the Whooping Crane became one of the most endangered birds in North America, with only 21 wild birds remaining by 1941. Strict protections have helped the species recover, but it is still one of the rarest bird species in North America.

The Whooping Crane is protected in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. There are two groups of Whooping Cranes that migrate and one group that doesn’t migrate. The largest flock is also the only one that naturally migrates.

Frequency in Florida:  Whooping Cranes are not common bird species in Florida. It is only reported in 1% or less in checklists by Birdswatchers of Florida.

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• Scientific name: Grus americana
• Lifespan: 22 to 30 years
• Size: 5 feet tall
• Native to: Canada and America

The whooping crane, scientifically known as Grus americana, holds the unfortunate title of being one of the most endangered birds in Florida. These majestic white birds stand tall, reaching 4 to 5 feet, with strikingly long necks and legs.

Adorned in white plumage with distinctive black wingtips, dark feet, and bill, whooping cranes form lifelong partnerships and build their nests in trees near water bodies. Their diet consists of eels, mollusks, aquatic insects, snails, and berries, showcasing their diverse palate.

Named for their resounding calls, which can be heard up to two miles away, these cranes once thrived throughout Florida. However, due to hunting and habitat loss, their population drastically declined, leaving only a handful in the wild by 1941. Conservation efforts have led to a gradual increase in their numbers, but they remain critically endangered, requiring continued protection.

Great Blue Heron

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• Scientific name: Megaceryle alcyon
• Lifespan: Around 14 years
• Size: 11-14 inches
• Native to: North America

The Great Blue Heron, scientifically known as Ardea herodias, stands tall as one of North America’s most iconic and beloved birds. With a towering height of up to four feet and an impressive wingspan ranging from 66 to 79 inches, this bird is an awe-inspiring sight.

The Great Blue Heron exhibits two distinct morphs: one features powdery-blue coloring on its feathers with a black crown, while the other boasts an all-white body with yellowish legs. Both variations share a long, yellowish-orange bill.

In Florida, these magnificent herons favor the southern part of the state, often residing near bodies of water. They can be spotted wading in shallow ponds or stealthily stalking fish in deeper waters. Exceptional hunters, these herons deftly snatch fish from the water with their sharp and agile beaks, making them truly impressive creatures to observe in their natural habitat.

Masked booby

The Masked Booby is commonly found in tropical oceans and can be regularly seen off the southern Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States.

This booby species holds the title of being the largest among all boobies. It has an impressive wingspan that can reach up to 5 feet and 7 inches, and it can weigh up to 5 pounds.

Frequency in Florida:  Masked booby is a rare visitor of Florida and has been reported less than 1% on the checklists by Birdswatchers of Florida.

• Scientific name: Sula dactylatra
• Lifespan: 20 years
• Size: 30 to 33 in
• Native to: United States

The masked booby, scientifically known as Sula dactylatra, is a captivating seabird named for the distinctive black mask-like markings around its eyes. This large bird boasts an impressive wingspan of up to six feet and can be found in tropical and subtropical regions, nesting on islands in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

What makes the masked booby even more intriguing is its curious and fearless nature. These sociable birds often approach humans on boats or shores without hesitation and may even land on people! Their vocalizations are equally remarkable, emitting loud calls that carry over long distances.

Despite their friendly demeanor, the masked booby is not without its challenges. Large birds of prey, such as eagles and owls, occasionally target them, making their survival in the wild a testament to their resilience.

Snowy Egret

Snowy Egrets live in Florida all year round and can be seen near the coast, in wet areas, by rivers and lakes, and in wet agricultural fields.

A long time ago, plume hunters almost wiped out the Snowy Egret in the late 1800s. But now, they are more widespread and common. However, the snowy egret is protected by laws like the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Florida Endangered and Threatened Species Rule (68A-4.001, F.A.C.).

Frequency in Florida: Snowy Egrets have been reported 20% on Summer checklists and 24% on winter checklists by Birdswatchers of Florida.

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• Scientific name: Egretta thula
• Lifespan: 16 years
• Size: 20-27 inches
• Native to: United States and southern Canada, south through Central America, the West Indies, South America, and Argentina

The Snowy Egret, scientifically known as Egretta thula, is a captivating and beautiful bird, renowned for its pristine white plumage. These elegant birds can be found in the southeastern United States, where they nest and breed.

A member of the heron family, the Snowy Egret stands at about two feet tall, showcasing a graceful wingspan of approximately 3.3 feet. Its long, slender neck and black bill add to its distinctive appearance, while its dark legs contrast beautifully with bright yellow feet.

In their search for sustenance, Snowy Egrets feast on fish, crustaceans, and insects. Using their skilled bill, they deftly spear or scoop up prey from the water. However, the Snowy Egret’s population has been declining in recent years, leading to increased conservation efforts to protect this cherished species.

Cattle Egret

Cattle Egrets are year-round residents of the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, including Florida, and along parts of the Pacific Coast

A study done in North Central Florida found that almost 90 percent of what Cattle Egrets eat in the summer are grasshoppers and crickets.

The South Florida Wading Bird Report for 2021 says that Great Egrets made 15,306 nests in Florida, which was the second most after White Ibis. But the report doesn’t give specific details about how often Cattle Egrets are seen in Florida.

Frequency in Florida:  Cattle Egrets have been reported 15% on Summer checklists and 13% on winter checklists by Birdswatchers of Florida.

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• Scientific name: Bubulcus ibis
• Lifespan: 20 years
• Size: 19-21 inches
• Native to: Africa to humid Asian tropics, from India to Japan and northern Australia

The Cattle Egret, scientifically known as Bubulcus ibis, may be smaller than other egrets on this list, but it plays a vital role in ecosystems and human environments alike. Thriving in warmer climates, these birds offer valuable assistance to farmers as they feed on insects that harm farm animals. However, they can also prove to be a pest, leaving their mark on cars and buildings.

Measuring around two feet in length and boasting a wingspan of three feet, the Cattle Egret’s appearance is marked by its yellow bill and long legs. They display a mostly white plumage with splashes of orange during breeding season on the head, back, and breast. Both male and female birds look alike.

Spotting Cattle Egrets is common throughout the year in Florida, and their impact on various ecosystems is a fascinating study in symbiotic relationships.