Each winter as colder weather settles across the northern United States and Canada, Florida becomes a warm refuge for travelers seeking sunshine. Some arrive by car or RV, but others arrive on the wind. These are Florida’s original snowbirds, the migratory species that brighten our wetlands, coastlines, and forests during the cooler months.
One of the most impressive visitors is the American white pelican, a gentle giant with a wingspan that can reach 9.5 feet. Unlike the brown pelican, which dives boldly into the water, white pelicans feed cooperatively by herding fish into shallow areas and scooping them up with their enormous bills. From November through March, they can be seen gliding in large, graceful flocks along the Gulf Coast and inland lakes, especially at places like Fort DeSoto Park, Circle B Bar Reserve, and the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes.
Florida also welcomes the blue-winged teal each winter, a remarkable long-distance traveler. These small ducks migrate thousands of miles from Canada and the northern prairies all the way to Central and South America. Our marshes and shallow wetlands offer them a safe, food-rich place to rest and refuel. They’re especially common at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Paynes Prairie Preserve, and throughout the Everglades.
The snowy egret is another winter highlight. Although Florida has resident populations year-round, winter brings additional snowy egrets migrating in from farther north. With bright yellow feet and quick, darting movements as they hunt, snowy egrets bring elegance and energy to our coastal wetlands, mangroves, and marshes. They’re often seen at refuges like J.N. “Ding” Darling, Merritt Island, and St. Marks.
Arriving just in time for Florida’s berry season, cedar waxwings sweep through parks and neighborhoods in chatty flocks. These sleek songbirds are easily recognized by their silky feathers, black masks, and bright red wingtips. They travel in groups, moving from tree to tree in search of ripe berries. Waxwings play an important role in dispersing seeds across the landscape and are frequently spotted in places like Paynes Prairie Preserve, Lettuce Lake Park, and native gardens full of hollies or beautyberries.
Another cheerful winter visitor is the yellow-rumped warbler, affectionately known as the “butter butt” for the patch of yellow on its rump. These small, lively birds arrive each fall and stay through early spring before migrating north again to breed. While they feed mostly on insects in their summer habitats, Florida offers them a winter buffet of berries, especially from wax myrtle. They can be found flitting through trees and shrubs in parks, forests, and backyards across the state.
There are many ways to support these winter visitors. Planting native shrubs and trees provides natural food sources and shelter. Keeping domestic cats indoors and making windows bird-safe reduces unnecessary risks. Visiting wildlife refuges helps support conservation work happening on the ground. Even simple choices in landscaping can make backyards welcoming stopover sites for migrating birds.
Florida’s original snowbirds bring movement, color, and life to our winter months. Protecting their habitats ensures that Florida remains a reliable refuge for countless species that depend on the state during the colder months for generations to come.
