Brown Pelican
Image: Emma J (cc-by-nc)
NameBrown Pelican
Common NameBrown Pelican
Scientific NamePelecanus occidentalis
FamilyPelecanidae
Wingspan (cm)200
Length (cm)120
Weight (g)4000
Plumage DetailsAdults have a dark brown body, a white neck with a chestnut-brown stripe running down the back of the neck, and a pale yellow crown. The bill is grayish with a reddish pouch. Juveniles are duller, mostly grayish-brown with a pale belly.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent away from breeding colonies. At nesting sites, they produce a variety of low grunts, croaks, and hisses.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal marine, estuaries, lagoons, beaches, piers
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound along the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf coasts of North and South America, ranging from Nova Scotia south to the mouth of the Amazon River, and from British Columbia south to Chile.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, Dark brown body, White neck with chestnut stripe (adults), Pale yellow crown (adults), Long bill with large gular pouch, Plunge-diving fishing behavior, Webbed feet
Description
The Brown Pelican is a large, dark-bodied seabird known for its distinctive plunge-diving fishing technique. It possesses a long bill with a prominent gular pouch used to scoop up fish. These social birds are often seen flying in V-formations or single lines along coastlines.
