From nature trails to beach habitats, birding in the Perdido Area is a huge pastime for visitors and locals alike. The diversity of habitats ranging from pinewoods to beaches and saltwater to open woodlands make an attractive destination for native and migratory bird species. With many protected lands in the area, we are able to support ecosystems suitable for many wildlife, the Perdido Key Area is a haven for more than 200 bird species.

Osprey: Known as Florida’s fishing eagles, the osprey has a distinct M wing shape and makes their habitat near brackish estuaries where they can scan the surface for fish. Osprey mate for life –birds of a feather really do stay together!

Brown Pelican: A symbol of the Gulf Coast, the brown pelican is making a comeback. These water birds weigh 6-7 pounds and have a 7-foot wingspan. The pelicans can fly as fast as 30 miles per hour and can often be seen perched on a piling in the bay.

Blue Heron: These graceful natives can be found along the shoreline hunting for fish. The birds have long legs and a long, S-shaped neck.

Yellow-breasted chat: This lovely songbird prefers to spend its time in the dense brush, so it’s fun to finally spot it – especially since this area is not a common location. You’ll know the adult by its bright yellow chest and throat, white belly, and white around its eyes. Listen for the cheeps and whistles as a clue to its whereabouts during May and again July through September.

Gray kingbird: These conspicuous birds will be hard not to notice if you’re visiting Perdido Key between April and October. Large-billed and vocal, gray kingbirds can be found along Florida’s coastline, waiting for large insects to fly by. They also eat other small vertebrates, including lizards, and occasionally fruit. Look for these birds in mangroves and open coastal woodlands.

Roseate spoonbill: One of Florida’s most distinguished wading birds, the roseate spoonbill is often confused with the flamingo because of its spectacular pink plumage. The main difference between this bird and the flamingo is its bill – flat and spatula-like. The bird uses this unique bill to feed on fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. Look for the spoonbill during May in coastal wetlands like those in Big Lagoon State Park. 

Where To Stay For Spring Break

When looking for a spring break destination on the Gulf Coast, look no further than Perdido Key, Florida. Here at Perdido Key, we are all about the relaxation factor. With over 60% of the Key protected by Federal, Gulf Islands National Seashore, and State, Perdido Key...

Exploring Military History in Perdido Key

Written for the 2022 Perdido Area Guide By Dayre Lias   "The Lost Key" is one of the unique, historical places in the Florida Panhandle. From the end of the ice age, 12,000 years ago, Paleoindian hunters roamed the area and evolved into the powerful chiefdoms...

How to Make an Impact on Perdido Key

Advocate for your Perdido Key community and help keep our treasured area the best place to live, work and play! Whether your passion is for the environment and cleaning the beach, advocating for local businesses, or volunteering for local causes and events, there are...

Dining with a View

Enjoying dinner with a view is a simple way of life in Perdido Key. Living on our treasured barrier island, one can see water in every direction, from the vast wonders of the Gulf of Mexico to the tranquil waters of the Intracoastal; water views are varied and...

Favorite Live Music Venues in Perdido Key

The Perdido Key Area has an extended history of music and songwriting, shaping the culture of the community. When visiting the lost key, one must-do activity is to enjoy a lively, musical atmosphere while indulging in some local cocktails or treating yourself to some...

Best Breakfast in the Perdido Key Area

Here on the Gulf Coast, our locals and dedicated visitors love breakfast! You don’t need to be an early riser to enjoy the best eggs benedict or Bloody Mary’s in Perdido Key; most breakfast in the area is available as a delectable brunch as well!  Whether you can wake...

Best Sunsets on Perdido Key

The Sun is an essential part of our everyday life in Perdido Key.  It keeps our white sandy beaches a sunbather’s dream and provides us with reflective, shimmering beauty atop our emerald, blue-green waters. We cannot help but flood our social media timelines with...

101 Things to Do in Perdido Key

From adventurous water activities to relaxing sunset vibes, explore Perdido Key and plan your island getaway with things to do for everyone! 101 Things to Do in Perdido Key includes links to some of the local's favorite activities, dining, and entertainment in the...

Military in Perdido Key

By Emily Klinga   Pensacola has a deep-rooted history of military presence positioned by our very own Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola. Proclaimed a Naval Air Station in 1914, NAS Pensacola is renowned as the “Cradle of Naval Aviation” supporting the initial...

Sunset Weddings Are the Best by Karen Qualls

By Karen Qualls, Beach Bride Weddings You are one of many getting married in 2021 and have been debating the wedding time. Since you are getting married on the beach in Perdido Key, Florida, you should seriously think about the sunset. Why? you ask, why not midday?...