Brown Pelican

About

The Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is a large seabird known for its distinctive feeding habits. It dives from heights of up to 60 feet into the water to catch fish, using its long bill and expandable pouch to scoop up prey. The pelican's plumage is grayish-brown with a white head and neck, turning yellowish during breeding. It is found along the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific coasts, nesting in colonies on isolated islands to avoid predators. Brown Pelicans have faced significant threats, including habitat loss and pesticide poisoning, which led to a drastic decline in the 1960s. However, conservation efforts and the ban on DDT have helped recover populations. By 2014, Louisiana had over 16,500 nesting pairs. They are social birds, often seen in large groups, and their recovery is a testament to successful conservation programs. Brown Pelicans can live up to 30 years and weigh about 9 pounds, with a wingspan of up to 8 feet.