Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis

All The Birds Of North America Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis


Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis The large Brown Pelican is highly gregarious, living in flocks most of the year; it flies with slow, powerful wingbeats in single file or a V formation. This species eats fish, which it scoops up in its large throat pouch, often plunge-diving for its prey from the air. High levels of DDT contamination in fish resulted in a drastic decline in the breeding populations of these birds; banning of DDT and other hard pesticides has helped the Brown Pelican to make a comeback.

Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Identification 45-54". Adults stocky and dark brown, with massive bill and throat pouch, and whitish head. Breeding birds have cinnamon-brown on back of neck. Young have dull brown heads.

Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Voice Adults silent; nestlings squeal and grunt.

Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Habitat Bays, beaches, estuaries, and lagoons.

Range Breeds along California coast from San Francisco south; occasionally wanders northward. Also on Atlantic and Gulf coasts.