Brown Pelican

What it is

The brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is a North American bird of the pelican family, Pelecanidae. It is one of three pelican species found in the Americas and one of only two that feeds by diving in water. It is found on the Atlantic Coast from Nova Scotia to the mouth of the Amazon River, and along the Pacific Coast from British Columbia to northern Chile, including the Galapagos Islands. The nominate subspecies in its breeding plumage...

Where and when to find it

Habitat

You can find Brown Pelicans along the coasts of the US, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf coasts. They like saltwater areas.

How to find it

Look for them flying low over the water or perched on docks and buoys. Watch for their amazing headfirst dives into the ocean!

Best time of day

Anytime during the day, especially near the ocean.

How it lives

What it eats

Fish, especially schooling fish like anchovies and sardines

What eats it

No regular predators as adults, sometimes gulls steal fish from their pouch

Worth knowing

• The inside of their bill pouch can hold up to 3 gallons of water!
• They are the only pelican species that dives headfirst into the water to catch fish.
• Young pelicans are not brown; they are light gray or white.
• They can be seen flying in long lines called 'V-formations'.
• They have air sacs under their skin that help cushion their dive and make them buoyant.
• They sometimes sunbathe with their wings spread wide.

Why it matters

Brown Pelicans are important predators in coastal waters, helping to keep fish populations balanced. They are also an indicator of ocean health.