--- title: Shorebirds description: What are Shorebirds? Shorebirds in Florida There are many species of shorebirds that can be found in Florida, including herons, plovers, and egrets. Some of the more common species found in Florida include the great blue heron, willet, American white ibis, snowy egret, and least sandpiper. Shorebirds are typically found along shorelines and wetlands, where … Shorebirds Read More » --- [Skip to content](https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories/shorebirds#main-content) Close - [Home](https://vikingecotours.com) - [About](https://vikingecotours.com/about) - [Viking EcoTours](https://vikingecotours.com/about) - [Our Pedal Kayaks](https://vikingecotours.com/en-us/why-pedal-kayaks) - [All Kayak Tours](https://vikingecotours.com/all-kayak-tours-new-smyrna-beach) - [Morning Kayak Tours | New Smyrna Beach](https://vikingecotours.com/morning-kayak-tours-new-smyrna-beach) - [Sunset Kayak Tours | New Smyrna Beach](https://vikingecotours.com/en-us/sunset-kayak-tours-in-new-smyrna-beach-viking-ecotours) - [Bioluminescence Kayak Tours | New Smyrna Beach](https://vikingecotours.com/en-us/bioluminescent-kayak-tours/) - [Articles & Info](https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories) - [Contact](https://vikingecotours.com/contact-us) - [Contact Us](https://vikingecotours.com/contact-us) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://vikingecotours.com/frequently-asked-questions) SEARCH CONTACT PHONE HOTLINE: [(386) 888-1552](tel:(386)%20888-1552) E-MAIL: [info@vikingecotours.com](mailto:info@vikingecotours.com) [Book Now](https://www.vikingecotours.com/tours/) [![logo](https://vikingecotours.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VikingEcoTours_Logo_Revised.7.76kb-1.png?width=90&height=90&name=VikingEcoTours_Logo_Revised.7.76kb-1.png "logo")](https://www.vikingecotours.com/) [![VikingEcoTours\_Logo\_Revised\_Horiz\_4C](https://vikingecotours.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VikingEcoTours_Logo_Revised_Horiz_4C.png?width=150&height=75&name=VikingEcoTours_Logo_Revised_Horiz_4C.png)](https://www.vikingecotours.com/) - [Home](https://vikingecotours.com) - [About](https://vikingecotours.com/about) - [Viking EcoTours](https://vikingecotours.com/about) - [Our Pedal Kayaks](https://vikingecotours.com/en-us/why-pedal-kayaks) - [All Kayak Tours](https://vikingecotours.com/all-kayak-tours-new-smyrna-beach) - [Morning Kayak Tours | New Smyrna Beach](https://vikingecotours.com/morning-kayak-tours-new-smyrna-beach) - [Sunset Kayak Tours | New Smyrna Beach](https://vikingecotours.com/en-us/sunset-kayak-tours-in-new-smyrna-beach-viking-ecotours) - [Bioluminescence Kayak Tours | New Smyrna Beach](https://vikingecotours.com/en-us/bioluminescent-kayak-tours/) - [Articles & Info](https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories) - [Contact](https://vikingecotours.com/contact-us) - [Contact Us](https://vikingecotours.com/contact-us) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://vikingecotours.com/frequently-asked-questions) PHONE HOTLINE: [(386) 888-1552](tel:(386)%20888-1552) E-MAIL: [info@vikingecotours.com](mailto:info@vikingecotours.com) [Book Now](https://www.vikingecotours.com/tours/) ![DSC\_6688-Enhanced-2](https://vikingecotours.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DSC_6688-Enhanced-2.jpg?width=575&name=DSC_6688-Enhanced-2.jpg) [Viking Ecotours](https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories/author/viking-ecotours) Dec 19, 2023, 10:35:14 PM 38 min read # Shorebirds [Previous Post](https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories/discover-pedal-kayaking-effortless-adventures-in-florida) [Next Post](https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories/kayak-new-smyrna-beach-at-mosquito-lagoon-aquatic-preserve) ![This snowy egret is one of the shorebirds Viking EcoTours guides love to photograph on the kayaking tours.](https://vikingecotours.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DSC_2937-2-689x1024-1.jpeg?width=227&height=338&name=DSC_2937-2-689x1024-1.jpeg) ## What are Shorebirds? #### Shorebirds in Florida There are many species of **shorebirds** that can be found in Florida, including herons, plovers, and egrets. Some of the more common species found in Florida include the great blue heron, willet, American white ibis, snowy egret, and least sandpiper. Shorebirds are typically found along shorelines and wetlands, where they feed on insects, worms, and small crustaceans. These birds are known for their long, thin legs and beaks, which they use to spear and catch prey or probe the mud and sand for food. During our **guided kayaking tours in Canaveral National Seashore**, we’ve found that it’s easiest to spot shorebirds while they are active along the shoreline or while roosting in the trees.   ## Where to see Shorebirds? ##### Birding in Canaveral National Seashore **Canaveral National Seashore is a National Park** on the east coast of Florida with **entrances in New Smyrna Beach and Titusville.**  This National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including many species of shorebirds. Some of these shorebird species include the American oystercatcher, sandpiper, great egret, great blue heron, and willet. These birds rely on the seashore’s diverse habitats, including sandy beaches, dunes, salt marshes, wetlands, and maritime hammocks. Shorebirds and thousands of other species use these areas for food, shelter, escape cover, and breeding. We usually see these birds during kayak tours along the banks of maritime forests and mangrove islands. The Park is also an important stopover point for migratory shorebirds, which use the area to rest and refuel during their long journeys.    ![Tricolored heron flying low near mangroves in Canaveral National Seashore. Viking EcoTours guides usually photograph these shorebirds on the shoreline or perched near mangroves.](https://vikingecotours.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/ENbtUtO0-1.png?width=1280&height=854&name=ENbtUtO0-1.png) ### Tricolored Heron We found this tricolored heron as it was taking off from an old log near the banks of a mangrove island during one of our guided kayaking tours. ![Great egret catching an eel to eat. These shorebirds are usually spotted during Viking EcoTours morning kayak tours in Canaveral National Seashore.](https://vikingecotours.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DSC_9309-Enhanced-1.jpg?width=2048&height=1367&name=DSC_9309-Enhanced-1.jpg) ### Great Egret This great egret was photographed by a Viking EcoTours guide while it was catching eels and fish in the water during one of the sunsets and afternoon guided kayaking tours. ![Shorebirds on the beach in Canaveral National Seashore](https://vikingecotours.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DSC_2795-4-1.jpg?width=2048&height=1367&name=DSC_2795-4-1.jpg) ### Willet These willet were spotted on the beach in Canaveral National Seashore. A Viking EcoTours guide photographed these shorebirds after one of the sunrise kayaking tours.   ### Kayaking Tours & Birding in Canaveral National Seashore To support these birds and other wildlife, the park has implemented a number of conservation measures, including habitat restoration and protection, research, and education programs. The seashore also supports a variety of other wildlife, including sea turtles, dolphins, and manatees. The park is a popular destination for birdwatching, as well as for recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and hiking. ## Shorebirds we frequently see ![Tricolored heron flying low near mangroves in Canaveral National Seashore. Viking EcoTours guides usually photograph these shorebirds on the shoreline or perched near mangroves.](https://vikingecotours.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/ENbtUtO0-1.png) ## tricolored heron ![Great Blue Heron flying during guided kayak tour](https://vikingecotours.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/great-blue-heron-1-1-1-1.jpg) ## great blue heron ![Great egret catching an eel to eat. These shorebirds are usually spotted during Viking EcoTours morning kayak tours in Canaveral National Seashore.](https://vikingecotours.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DSC_9309-Enhanced-1.jpg) ## great egret ![This reddish egret was photographed by a Viking EcoTours guide. These shorebirds can be difficult to spot in Canaveral National Seashore because of their small size and feathers that are well camouflaged along vegetation and shorelines.](https://vikingecotours.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DSC_9110-Enhanced-1.jpg) ## reddish egret ![Great blue heron perched in tree on Florida birding and kayak tour. Viking EcoTours typically sees these shorebirds along the shoreline near maritime hammocks and mangrove islands during kayaking tours.](https://vikingecotours.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DSC_2104-Enhanced-2-1.jpg) ## Great White & Great Blue Heron ![DSC\_2922-Enhanced-2](https://vikingecotours.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DSC_2922-Enhanced-2-1.jpg) ## Little Blue Heron ### Other Groups of Birds   ![](https://vikingecotours.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DSC_1702-Enhanced-8-768x1151-1.jpg?width=768&height=1151&name=DSC_1702-Enhanced-8-768x1151-1.jpg) ### Songbirds There can be hundreds of songbird species in Canaveral National Seashore but Florida scrub jays and northern cardinals are some of the favorite songbirds of Viking EcoTours guides. ![Double-crested cormorant, a seabird commonly found in Canaveral National Seashore, sitting on a concrete post.](https://vikingecotours.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DSC_2871-Enhanced-2-684x1024-1.jpg?width=684&height=1024&name=DSC_2871-Enhanced-2-684x1024-1.jpg) ### Seabirds The seabirds guides usually see are anhingas, double-crested cormorants, white pelicans, and brown pelicans.  ![](https://vikingecotours.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DSC_7340-Enhanced-684x1024-1.jpg?width=684&height=1024&name=DSC_7340-Enhanced-684x1024-1.jpg) ### Raptors Viking EcoTours guides see many raptor species on kayaking tours in Canaveral National Seashore but the most common species seen is the Osprey. Guides also see bald eagles, red-shouldered hawks, red-tailed hawks, and kestrels around the kayak launch and on the water. ### Articles & Videos to . ![Seashells on white sand at the beach.](https://vikingecotours.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DSC_6689-Enhanced-2-768x513-3.jpg?width=768&height=513&name=DSC_6689-Enhanced-2-768x513-3.jpg) [Gulf Islands National Seashore](https://www.vikingecotours.com/gulf-islands-national-seashore/) Natural paradise at the beach Discover Gulf Islands... ![DSC\_3465](https://vikingecotours.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DSC_3465-768x513-1.jpg?width=768&height=513&name=DSC_3465-768x513-1.jpg) [Florida's National Parks](https://www.vikingecotours.com/floridas-national-parks/) Learn more about what to do at Florida’s National... ![The Florida scrub-jay, a lively blue bird with white and blue feathers clutching two acorns in its beak, perched on a slender branch. The bird is the centerpiece of the image, with its striking blue and white plumage contrasting with the muted green of the foliage in the background. A small leaf is visible on the same branch as the bird, adding to the natural setting. The bird's sharp claws grip tightly onto the branch, accentuating its wild nature. The scene is framed by a blurred background of green foliage from an oak tree.](https://vikingecotours.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DSC_1732-Enhanced-9-768x512-3.jpg?width=768&height=512&name=DSC_1732-Enhanced-9-768x512-3.jpg) [Florida Scrub-Jays: The Sunshine State's Only Endemic Bird](https://www.vikingecotours.com/florida-scrub-jay/) In the heart of the Sunshine State, amidst the disappearing... ![Sea Turtle surfacing during guided kayak tour in Canaveral National Seashore with Viking EcoTours.](https://vikingecotours.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/player_exportRender_00_01_16_44_Still003-Enhanced-768x432-1.jpg?width=768&height=432&name=player_exportRender_00_01_16_44_Still003-Enhanced-768x432-1.jpg) [Unraveling the "Lost Years" of Sea Turtles from Canaveral National Seashore](https://www.vikingecotours.com/unraveling-the-lost-years-of-sea-turtles-from-canaveral-national-seashore/) The Start of a Sea Turtles Journey Dive into the captivating... ![Bottlenose Dolphin surfacing to breath on a guided kayak tours in the Indian River Lagoon near the Apollo Beach Visitor Center & Turtle Mound in Canaveral National Seashore.](https://vikingecotours.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/DSC_3016-Enhanced-4-768x513-Nov-02-2023-12-29-39-5516-AM.jpg?width=768&height=513&name=DSC_3016-Enhanced-4-768x513-Nov-02-2023-12-29-39-5516-AM.jpg) [Fast Facts: Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins](https://www.vikingecotours.com/fast-facts-atlantic-bottlenose-dolphins/) In this article, we will explore the physiology, life... #### [Viking Ecotours](https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories/author/viking-ecotours) ## RELATED ARTICLES Button Title ### [Viking Ecotours Dec 19, 2023, 11:55:15 AM 36 min read Florida Scrub-Jays: The Sunshine State’s Only Endemic Bird The Fascinating World of Florida Scrub-Jays Dive in and learn about Florida's Feathered Residents The Florida scrub-jay, a ... 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Start Reading](https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories/turtle-mound-a-glimpse-into-floridas-ancient-culture) ![Asset 1-1](https://vikingecotours.com/hubfs/Asset%201-1.svg "Asset 1-1") [![VikingEcoTours\_Logo\_Revised\_Horiz\_4C](https://vikingecotours.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VikingEcoTours_Logo_Revised_Horiz_4C.png?width=240&height=120&name=VikingEcoTours_Logo_Revised_Horiz_4C.png)](https://www.vikingecotours.com/) Explore New Smyrna's Canaveral National Seashore with Viking Ecotours: Fishing, Bioluminescence, Birding, Manatees, Dolphins, and More Adventures Await! - [Home](https://vikingecotours.com) - [About](https://vikingecotours.com/about) - [Viking EcoTours](https://vikingecotours.com/about) - [Our Pedal Kayaks](https://vikingecotours.com/en-us/why-pedal-kayaks) - [All Kayak Tours](https://vikingecotours.com/all-kayak-tours-new-smyrna-beach) - [Morning Kayak Tours | New Smyrna Beach](https://vikingecotours.com/morning-kayak-tours-new-smyrna-beach) - [Sunset Kayak Tours | New Smyrna Beach](https://vikingecotours.com/en-us/sunset-kayak-tours-in-new-smyrna-beach-viking-ecotours) - [Bioluminescence Kayak Tours | New Smyrna Beach](https://vikingecotours.com/en-us/bioluminescent-kayak-tours/) - [Articles & Info](https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories) - [Contact](https://vikingecotours.com/contact-us) - [Contact Us](https://vikingecotours.com/contact-us) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://vikingecotours.com/frequently-asked-questions) All rights reserved - [Home](https://vikingecotours.com) - [About](https://vikingecotours.com/about) - [All Kayak Tours](https://vikingecotours.com/all-kayak-tours-new-smyrna-beach) - [Articles & Info](https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories) - [Contact](https://vikingecotours.com/contact-us) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "United States", "addressLocality" : "Oak Hill", "addressRegion" : "FL", "postalCode" : "32759", "streetAddress" : "250 H H Burch Rd" }, "email" : "info@vikingecotours.com", "knowsLanguage" : "en-us", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://21164450.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21164450/VikingEcoTours_Logo_Revised.7.76kb-1.png" }, "name" : "Viking EcoTours LLC", "telephone" : "(386) 888-1552", "url" : "https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories/shorebirds" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "abstract" : "What are Shorebirds? Shorebirds in Florida There are many species of shorebirds that can be found in Florida, including herons, plovers, and egrets. Some of the more common species found in Florida include the great blue heron, willet, American white ibis, snowy egret, and least sandpiper. Shorebirds are typically found along shorelines and wetlands, where … Shorebirds Read More »", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Viking Ecotours" }, "dateModified" : "December 20, 2023 3 AM", "datePublished" : "December 20, 2023 3 AM", "headline" : "Shorebirds", "image" : "", "inLanguage" : "en-us", "keywords" : "[Florida Birds, Canaveral National Seashore, Wildlife, Nature]", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@type" : "WebPage" }, "name" : "Shorebirds", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://21164450.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21164450/VikingEcoTours_Logo_Revised.7.76kb-1.png" }, "name" : "Viking EcoTours LLC" }, "text" : "What are Shorebirds? Shorebirds in Florida There are many species of shorebirds that can be found in Florida, including herons, plovers, and egrets. Some of the more common species found in Florida include the great blue heron, willet, American white ibis, snowy egret, and least sandpiper. Shorebirds are typically found along shorelines and wetlands, where they feed on insects, worms, and small crustaceans. These birds are known for their long, thin legs and beaks, which they use to spear and catch prey or probe the mud and sand for food. During our guided kayaking tours in Canaveral National Seashore, we’ve found that it’s easiest to spot shorebirds while they are active along the shoreline or while roosting in the trees. Where to see Shorebirds? Birding in Canaveral National Seashore Canaveral National Seashore is a National Park on the east coast of Florida with entrances in New Smyrna Beach and Titusville. This National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including many species of shorebirds. Some of these shorebird species include the American oystercatcher, sandpiper, great egret, great blue heron, and willet. These birds rely on the seashore’s diverse habitats, including sandy beaches, dunes, salt marshes, wetlands, and maritime hammocks. Shorebirds and thousands of other species use these areas for food, shelter, escape cover, and breeding. We usually see these birds during kayak tours along the banks of maritime forests and mangrove islands. The Park is also an important stopover point for migratory shorebirds, which use the area to rest and refuel during their long journeys. Tricolored Heron We found this tricolored heron as it was taking off from an old log near the banks of a mangrove island during one of our guided kayaking tours. Great Egret This great egret was photographed by a Viking EcoTours guide while it was catching eels and fish in the water during one of the sunsets and afternoon guided kayaking tours. Willet These willet were spotted on the beach in Canaveral National Seashore. A Viking EcoTours guide photographed these shorebirds after one of the sunrise kayaking tours. Kayaking Tours & Birding in Canaveral National Seashore To support these birds and other wildlife, the park has implemented a number of conservation measures, including habitat restoration and protection, research, and education programs. The seashore also supports a variety of other wildlife, including sea turtles, dolphins, and manatees. The park is a popular destination for birdwatching, as well as for recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and hiking. Shorebirds we frequently see tricolored heron great blue heron great egret reddish egret Great White & Great Blue Heron Little Blue Heron Other Groups of Birds Songbirds There can be hundreds of songbird species in Canaveral National Seashore but Florida scrub jays and northern cardinals are some of the favorite songbirds of Viking EcoTours guides. Seabirds The seabirds guides usually see are anhingas, double-crested cormorants, white pelicans, and brown pelicans. Raptors Viking EcoTours guides see many raptor species on kayaking tours in Canaveral National Seashore but the most common species seen is the Osprey. Guides also see bald eagles, red-shouldered hawks, red-tailed hawks, and kestrels around the kayak launch and on the water. Articles & Videos to . Gulf Islands National Seashore Natural paradise at the beach Discover Gulf Islands... Florida's National Parks Learn more about what to do at Florida’s National... Florida Scrub-Jays: The Sunshine State's Only Endemic Bird In the heart of the Sunshine State, amidst the disappearing... Unraveling the \"Lost Years\" of Sea Turtles from Canaveral National Seashore The Start of a Sea Turtles Journey Dive into the captivating... Fast Facts: Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins In this article, we will explore the physiology, life...", "url" : "https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories/shorebirds", "wordCount" : "4948" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Viking Ecotours", "url" : "https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories/author/viking-ecotours" }, "dateModified" : "2023-12-20T03:35:14.272Z", "datePublished" : "2023-12-20T03:35:14.000Z", "headline" : "Shorebirds", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://vikingecotours.com/videos-stories/shorebirds", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://vikingecotours.com/hubfs/VikingEcoTours_Logo_Revised.7.76kb-1.png" }, "name" : "Viking EcoTours LLC" } } ```