Brown Pelican

The Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is a member of the pelican family, Pelecanidae. It is one of the smaller pelican species, yet remains a large seabird with a distinctive long bill and large throat pouch. The adult pelican is noted for its brown and gray plumage, with a white head and neck during the nonbreeding season and a yellowish wash on the crown during breeding. The nape and neck are dark maroon-brown, and the legs range from olivaceous gray to blackish-gray.

Identification Tips

Adult Brown Pelicans are identified by their white and yellowish heads with a dark brown nape during breeding season, transitioning to a white head and neck in nonbreeding adults. Juveniles are overall grayish-brown with paler underparts. In flight, they are graceful with a steady wingbeat and can be seen gliding low over the water's surface.

Habitat

This species is strictly marine, favoring shallow waters near coasts, estuaries, and beaches. It is also found in mangrove swamps and occasionally inland freshwater lakes.

Distribution

The Brown Pelican is found along the Atlantic Coast from New Jersey to the Amazon River, and along the Pacific Coast from British Columbia to Peru, including the Galapagos Islands. It is a resident species with some populations showing migratory behavior, particularly in the northern parts of its range.

Behaviour

The Brown Pelican is a sociable bird, often seen in flocks. It has a unique feeding behavior among pelicans, diving from the air into the water to catch fish. It is also known for its buoyancy due to internal air sacks.

Song & Calls

This species is relatively quiet, but during displays, it may produce a variety of grunts and low-pitched sounds.

Breeding

Breeding occurs in colonies, often on secluded islands. Both sexes share in incubation duties, with a typical clutch consisting of two to three chalky white eggs. Chicks are initially pink, turning gray or black within a few weeks, and fledge after about 63 days.

Similar Species

The American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) is similar but has white plumage and feeds from the water's surface rather than diving.

Diet and Feeding

The Brown Pelican mainly feeds on fish, such as menhaden and anchovies, and occasionally consumes crustaceans, amphibians, and even the eggs and young of other birds. It dives from heights of up to 21 meters to capture prey.

Conservation status

The Brown Pelican is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Its populations have recovered significantly since the ban of DDT in the United States, where it was previously endangered due to pesticide exposure affecting breeding success.