Brown Pelican

Scientific Name:
Pelecanus occidentalis

Found On

Bird Island Trail, Coal Chute Trail, Cypress Grove Trail, Granite Point Trail, Moss Cove Trail, North Shore Trail, Sand Hill Trail, Sea Lion Point Trail, South Shore Trail, Whalers Knoll Trail
Description

Gray-brown bird (up to 1.4 m/4.6 ft in length) with a slender neck and large, expandable beak.

Behaviors

The brown pelican feeds by spotting, then plunge-diving to stun fish in the water. Body and wings are positioned into a “W” shape to efficiently dive from heights of 21 m (70 ft) above the ocean’s surface.

Fun Facts

Brown pelicans were once on the brink of extinction in the 1960s and 70s due to pesticide pollution that made their eggs extremely thin, endangering the chicks inside. Today, thanks to the banning of certain pesticides, their populations are healthy. Brown pelicans have a special bone structure that protects them from injury when they plunge-dive into the ocean to feed.

Nature Topics
Wildlife and Birds, ShoreBirds

Habitat

Feeding

A brown pelican gliding low over the water with its wings outstretched and long beak pointed forward

Photo credit: ©Kip Evans

Brown Pelican eats