Peruvian Pelican

The Peruvian Pelican is a large, darkly plumaged pelican confined to the nutrient-rich Humboldt Current along the Pacific coast of South America, closely related to the Brown Pelican but notably larger and heavier.

Appearance

Adults are dark blackish-brown to gray overall, with a pale streak along the neck and a large grayish bill and pouch. Breeding birds may show a yellowish patch at the base of the bill and brighter coloring on the throat pouch. It is the largest of the "brown"-type pelicans, noticeably bulkier than the Brown Pelican of North and Central America.

Key field marks

• Large size, bulkier and heavier than the related Brown Pelican
• Dark blackish-brown to gray plumage overall
• Large grayish bill and pouch
• Restricted to the Pacific coast of South America, especially the cold, productive waters off Peru and Chile

Similar species

Brown Pelican is smaller and lighter-built, with a paler head and different geographic range, mostly found farther north and along the Caribbean and Atlantic. Range and larger size are the best clues to identifying Peruvian Pelican where the two might otherwise be considered similar.

Habitat and range

Peruvian Pelicans are found along the rocky and sandy coasts of Peru and Chile, closely associated with the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Humboldt Current, which supports huge schools of anchoveta and other small fish.

Migration

The species is largely resident along its coastal range, though it may shift locally in response to changes in fish abundance, particularly during El Niño events, which can cause dramatic breeding failures and food shortages. Population trends are closely linked to the health of the anchoveta fishery and broader marine ecosystem.

Behavior

Peruvian Pelicans forage by plunge-diving from the air into schools of small fish, similar to the closely related Brown Pelican, often foraging in large flocks over productive upwelling zones.

Voice

Adults are largely silent, though low grunting calls may be given at breeding colonies.

Nesting and breeding

They nest colonially on rocky islands and headlands along the coast, laying two to three eggs in a simple ground nest. Breeding success fluctuates significantly with ocean conditions, since periodic El Niño warming events can drastically reduce the small fish that pelicans depend on.