Brown Pelican
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/72825507@N00">Mike Baird</a> from Morro Bay, USA (CC BY 2.0)
NameBrown Pelican
Common NameBrown Pelican
Scientific NamePelecanus occidentalis
FamilyPelecanidae
Wingspan (cm)200
Length (cm)120
Weight (g)3850
Plumage DetailsAdult Brown Pelicans have a dark brown body, a white neck and head with a pale yellow wash on the crown, and a reddish-brown nape and hindneck, especially during breeding season. The long, stout bill is typically grayish-yellow with a reddish tinge on the pouch. Juveniles are duller brown overall with a pale belly.
Vocalization / CallBrown Pelicans are generally silent birds, particularly away from their breeding colonies. At nesting sites, adults may produce low grunts or croaks, while chicks are more vocal, emitting various squawks and hisses.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal, marine, estuaries, lagoons, beaches
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThe Brown Pelican is found along the coasts of North and South America, ranging from Nova Scotia and British Columbia south to the Amazon River mouth and Chile, including the Caribbean islands and the Galapagos. They are typically non-migratory but may disperse after breeding.
Identifying Featureslarge size, long bill with large throat pouch, plunge-diving fishing technique, dark brown body, white neck and head (adults), reddish-brown nape (breeding adults)
Description
The Brown Pelican is a large seabird distinguished by its long bill and expandable throat pouch, which it uses to catch fish. Unlike other pelican species, it hunts by plunge-diving headfirst into the water from heights of up to 20 meters. These social birds are often seen flying in V-formations or single lines along coastlines.
