Pelecanus occidentalis
The Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is a majestic coastal waterbird, distinguished by its unique plunge-diving fishing technique and massive gular pouch. Adults typically measure 107-137 cm (42-54 in) in length with a wingspan of 203-228 cm (80-90 in), weighing between 2.7 and 5.5 kg (6-12 lbs). Their plumage features a dark gray-brown body, a white neck and head, and a distinctive chestnut-brown hindneck during the breeding season, which fades to yellow or white in winter. A prominent...
Primarily found in coastal marine environments, estuaries, and protected bays, Brown Pelicans inhabit tropical and subtropical regions. They prefer shallow, productive waters near sandy beaches, rocky shores, mudflats, and mangrove islands, generally at sea level to very low elevations.
Exclusively piscivorous, their diet consists almost entirely of small schooling fish such as menhaden, herring, anchovies, and sardines, caught through spectacular headfirst plunge-dives.
Brown Pelicans are diurnal, spending their days foraging and often congregating in large communal roosts on sandbars, jetties, or small islands at night. Their signature foraging strategy involves a spectacular plunge-dive from heights of 6-18 meters (20-60 ft), stunning fish with the impact and ...
The Brown Pelican boasts a wide distribution across tropical and subtropical coasts of the Americas. Its breeding range extends along the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts of the United States, south through Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean islands, and along the northern and eastern coast...
Least Concern
- The Brown Pelican is the smallest of the world's eight pelican species. - It is the only pelican species that plunge-dives from the air to catch its prey. - Its gular pouch can hold up to three gallons of water, used to scoop fish but not for storage during flight. - Once listed as endangered, ...