Brown Pelican

Adults in breeding plumage feature a white head with a yellowish crown, a dark velvety hindneck, a grayish-brown body, and a reddish-brown to black pouch. Non-breeding adults have a white head and neck. Juveniles are mostly brown with grayish-brown heads and lighter bellies.

Dark overall body, massive bill with a dark pouch, white head (in adults), and the unique habit of plunge-diving headfirst into the water from the air.

Length: 105-137 cm (41-54 in), Wingspan: 203-228 cm (80-90 in), Weight: 2.75-5.5 kg (6-12 lbs).

Generally silent, but adults produce low croaking or grunting sounds at the nest, while nestlings emit loud squawks when begging for food.

Primarily fish, especially schooling species like menhaden, herring, and anchovies, caught via plunge-diving from the air.

Marine coastal environments, estuaries, mangrove swamps, and occasionally large inland saltwater lakes; rarely found far inland or on freshwater.

Partial migrant or nomadic; northern breeding populations move south for the winter, while tropical populations are largely sedentary.

Breeds in colonies on remote islands, cliffs, or mangroves. Constructs a bulky nest of sticks and weeds on the ground or in shrubs. Lays 2 to 3 chalky white eggs incubated by both parents.

American White Pelican, which is much larger, entirely white with black wingtips, and feeds by scooping water while swimming rather than plunge-diving.

Acts as an apex marine predator indicator species, helping monitor the health of coastal fish stocks and marine ecosystems.

Least Concern, with stable or increasing populations following recovery from historical pesticide (DDT) declines.

Look for them soaring gracefully in V-formations just above the waves along ocean beaches, piers, and bays.

Unlike other pelicans, the Brown Pelican is the only species that dives from the air into the water to catch its prey, protected by a network of subcutaneous air sacs that cushion the impact.