Brown Pelican
NameBrown Pelican
Common NameBrown Pelican
Scientific NamePelecanus occidentalis
FamilyPelecanidae
Wingspan (cm)203
Length (cm)114
Weight (g)3600
Plumage DetailsAdults have a dark brown body, a white neck, and a pale yellow head. During the breeding season, the back of the neck turns a rich reddish-brown. Juveniles are duller, mostly grayish-brown with a white belly.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, but may produce low grunts or croaks, especially around nesting colonies or when disturbed.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatscoastal waters, estuaries, beaches, mangroves, lagoons
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeCoastal areas of the Americas, ranging from Nova Scotia and California south to the Amazon River in Brazil and Peru, including the Caribbean islands.
Identifying Featureslarge size, long bill with large throat pouch, dark body with white neck and yellow head (adults), plunge-diving behavior for fishing, often seen flying in V-formations low over water
Description
The Brown Pelican is a large coastal waterbird known for its distinctive long bill and expandable throat pouch. It primarily feeds by plunge-diving headfirst into the water to catch fish, a unique hunting strategy among pelicans.
