One of the best things about the swamp is the fact that it’s home to so many creatures you may not see anywhere else! And, if you’re an avid reader of our blogs, you’ve certainly heard us talk about gators more than once. Let’s give some love to the other creatures in the swamp, shall we? Take a peek at these birds on our bayou tours in New Orleans and book online today!
The Majestic Brown Pelican
Due to the pelican being such an important piece of Louisiana’s identity, it’s important to begin with these interesting birds. The brown pelican is the Louisiana state bird and is even on our official state flag. However, you may notice that the bird there is white. This is because the flag itself was made in 1912, but the brown pelican wasn’t the state bird until 1966. By then, the white bird was well-known! To this day, the pelican has remained well-loved and you can see our bird represented in our media, culture, and on our shores.
Despite being the smallest of the pelicans, they are still a pretty large bird! Four feet long and with a seven to eight-foot-long wingspan, this big bird puts many others to shame. Pelicans are often easy to pick out from a crowd from the large pouch attached to the bottom of their beak. This big pouch can actually hold up to three times as much as they can fit in their stomach. And for good reason—they need to eat four pounds of fish a day. They catch these fish by diving headfirst into the water and scooping them into their bill. If you’re able to catch a glimpse of one of these maneuvers, it’s a good day!
What Other Birds Can Be Found In The Swamp?
While the pelican is the most famous Louisiana bird, there are several others that stand out.
- Herons are large, thin birds with even larger and thinner necks. In the state of Louisiana, there are several types of herons, and they come in many different colors. The most common of these in the state is the tricolored heron. Formerly known as the “Louisiana heron”, these birds come in blue-gray, lavender, and white.
- Egrets are actually a type of heron but their stark white coloring often stands out. Many like to make the distinction since their look is slightly different. However, they are closely related.
- Many hawks, eagles, and hawks make their home in the Louisiana swamplands. You may be so lucky to see one of these predators swoop from the skies for their next meal!
If you’re an avid bird watcher, Louisiana is the perfect place to find the critters you aim to see.
Want To Take A Ride On These Bayou Tours in New Orleans? Book Online Today!
There are so many birds in the Pelican State. Take a ride on our bayou tours in New Orleans today to see some interesting birds for yourself. Book online or just ask us more about the fantastic Louisiana wildlife! Call us at 504-323-0570, email info@adventuresofjeanlafitte.com, or send a message online to get your questions to our professionals. We’re excited to help you see these birds take flight.