Brown Pelican

Adults in breeding plumage have a dark neck, white head with a yellowish crown, and a velvety dark brown hindneck. Non-breeding adults have a white head and neck. Juveniles are mostly uniform grayish-brown with paler underparts.

Huge size, massive bill with a throat pouch, dark brownish body, and the habit of high-altitude plunge-diving into the water.

Length: 106-137 cm (42-54 in), Wingspan: 203-228 cm (80-90 in), Weight: 2.75-5.5 kg (6-12 lbs)

Generally silent, but adults make low, deep grunts or croaks at the nest. Chicks emit loud, raspy whistles when begging for food.

Primarily fish, especially schooling species like menhaden, herring, and anchovies, obtained by plunge-diving from heights of up to 60 feet.

Marine and coastal environments, primarily salt-water bays, ocean shores, estuaries, and mangrove islands.

Mainly resident or local wanderer; northernmost populations undertake seasonal movements to avoid severe freezing temperatures.

Nests in colonies on remote coastal islands, mangroves, or cliffs. Builds a bulky platform of sticks and vegetation. Clutch size is typically 2 to 3 chalky white eggs.

The Peruvian Pelican is larger and prefers colder Humboldt Current waters. The American White Pelican is much larger, white with black wingtips, and feeds by surface-dipping rather than plunge-diving.

Acts as an important bioindicator of marine ecosystem health, particularly regarding coastal water quality and fish stock availability.

Least Concern, with populations generally stable or increasing following historic declines due to DDT pesticide use.

Look for them soaring in a V-formation low over ocean waves or perched on coastal piers, docks, and marker buoys.

Brown Pelicans were severely threatened by the widespread use of the pesticide DDT in the mid-20th century, which caused eggshell thinning. Following the ban of DDT in 1972, their populations successfully rebounded.