ExploreBird

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

The Brown Pelican is a large bird with a long bill and a stretchy throat pouch. It loves to dive from high up to catch fish in the ocean.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Brown Pelican is a large coastal bird with a dark brown body and a white head and neck, often with a yellow wash on its crown. It has a distinctive long bill with a large expandable gular pouch used for fishing.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPelecaniformesFamilyPelecanidaeGenusPelecanus

Brown Pelican

Interesting facts

Baby pelicans are born naked, blind, and totally helpless!

Brown Pelicans are excellent flyers, often gliding for miles without flapping!

Its amazing throat pouch can stretch to hold three times more fish than its belly!

Their giant bill has a hook at the tip, perfect for gripping slippery fish!

Special abilities

Brown Pelican has a giant throat pouch that helps them scoop up fish like a net during spectacular dives.

Brown Pelican can plunge from high above the water because of its strong body, helping it catch fish.

Brown Pelican has specialized oils that waterproof its feathers, helping it stay dry even after deep dives.

Measurements & details

Length: 106-137 cm
Wingspan: 203-228 cm
Weight: 2.7-5.5 kg
Lifespan: 10-30 years
Top Speed: 48 km/h
Clutch Size: 2-4
Incubation: 28-30 days
Migration Distance: 3000 km

Diet & Feeding

A skillful fisher, this bird eats mostly small fish by spectacular plunge dives into the water.

Primary Foods

menhaden
anchovies
herring
mullet
sardines

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Atlantic Menhaden

Brevoortia tyrannus

A primary food source for pelicans.

hunts

Pacific Sardine

Sardinops sagax

Often targeted in large schools.

hunts

Black Rat

Rattus rattus

Preys on pelican eggs and chicks.

depends on

Herring Gull

Larus argentatus

Often steal fish from a pelican's pouch.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Aerial

Discover amazing creatures that spend much of their lives soaring high above the ground, often using wings to fly! They might hunt, travel, or even sleep up in the sky.

Piscivorous

Discover amazing animals that love to eat fish! They're like expert underwater hunters, always on the lookout for a tasty meal from the rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Coastal

Discover life found along the edges where land meets the sea! These habitats are always changing with the tides and waves, offering unique environments.

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Keystone Species

Discover the hidden heroes of nature! These special species play an incredibly important role in their habitat, holding the entire ecosystem together like a crucial piece of a puzzle.