Appearance

Size and Coloration

The brown pelican, the smallest among the six pelican species worldwide, boasts a length of up to 48 inches (121.9 centimeters) and an impressive 84-inch (213.4 centimeters) wingspan.

This large seabird is predominantly grayish-brown with a distinct pouched bill. During the breeding season, its head feathers become bright yellow, complemented by a white neck, which fades to dull yellow and brown in non-breeding periods. Juvenile brown pelicans are easily identified by their entirely brown plumage with a whitish belly.

Behavior

Feeding Habits

Dear Lykkers! The brown pelican is a coastal seabird that spends most of its life near the ocean. It employs a unique foraging technique: diving headfirst from heights of up to 50 feet (15.2 meters) to catch fish near the surface. Once prey is captured, the pelican drains water from its bill pouch by tilting its head upward or to the side. Despite the dramatic dive, it typically remains on or near the water's surface during the process.

Breeding Patterns

Brown pelicans breed in large colonies, often comprising hundreds of pairs. Nesting sites include trees, bushes, or mangroves, typically on estuarine islands. Courtship involves males swaying their heads to attract mates. The breeding season varies by location, occurring from spring to summer above 30° N and from winter to spring between 20° N and 30° N.

Nesting Details

Nests are crafted with sticks on the outside and lined with leaves on the inside. Females lay 1-3 white eggs, with incubation lasting up to 30 days, shared by both parents. After hatching, nestlings remain in or near the nest for approximately 70 days. Maturity is reached between three and five years of age.

The Brown Pelican: Everything You Need To Know! (4K)

Video by The Wild Report

Habitat

Preferred Environments

Brown pelicans inhabit a range of coastal and island areas, including beaches, sandbars, docks, estuarine islands, mangrove islands, and sand spits.

Geographic Distribution

The species is found along the coasts of North and South America. On the Pacific side, they range from British Columbia to South America, while on the Atlantic side, they extend from Maryland to South America. In Florida, they are widespread along the coast, occasionally venturing inland during the non-breeding season.

The brown pelican, with its striking appearance, remarkable diving skills, and widespread coastal presence, serves as a symbol of resilience and grace in marine ecosystems. Its ability to thrive in diverse habitats and its fascinating life cycle make it an enduring subject of admiration for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.