English
Brown Pelican
The Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is a large seabird known for its distinctive pouch, which it uses to scoop up fish. It is a highly visible and iconic bird along coastlines of the Americas, playing a crucial role in coastal ecosystems as a top predator of fish. Unlike the American White Pelican, the Brown Pelican dives from the air to catch its prey. The species faced near extinction in the mid-20th century due to pesticide use, but has since made a remarkable recovery, serving as a symbol of successful conservation efforts.
100-152 cm
Length
200-230 cm
Wingspan
Least Concern
Conservation Status
Distribution
The Brown Pelican is found along the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf coasts of North and South America. Its range extends from southern Canada and the United States down to northern Chile and southern Brazil. It also inhabits the Caribbean islands. Some populations are resident, while others undertake seasonal migrations.
Lifespan
Typically 15-25 years in the wild. Captive individuals can live longer.
Brown Pelican's Habitat
Habitat Types
Coastal waters, Estuaries, Beaches, Mangrove swamps, Rocky shorelines
Climate Zones
Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate
Adaptations
Brown Pelicans have air sacs beneath their skin, particularly on the chest, which help cushion the impact when they dive into the water from heights. Their large pouch is highly elastic and can hold a significant volume of water and fish. They possess salt glands that allow them to excrete excess salt from the fish they consume.
Variations
Several subspecies are recognized, differing slightly in size and plumage coloration. These include *P. o. californicus* (Pacific coast of North America), *P. o. carolinensis* (Atlantic coast of North America), and *P. o. occidentalis* (Caribbean).
Appearance
Breeding Plumage
Breeding adults have a white head with a yellowish wash, a dark brown neck, and a silvery-gray body. Non-breeding adults have a white neck and head. Juveniles are mostly brown.
Seasonal Feather Changes
The neck color changes most dramatically, becoming dark brown during the breeding season and white during the non-breeding season.
Sex Based Plumage Differences
There is minimal sexual dimorphism in plumage coloration, although subtle differences may exist in the intensity of colors.
Notable Features
Large, expandable throat pouch, Long bill with a hooked tip, Short, strong legs with webbed feet
Diet and Feeding
Primary Foods
Small fish (e.g., menhaden, anchovies, sardines), Crustaceans (occasionally)
Foraging Behavior
Brown Pelicans are plunge divers. They fly above the water, spot fish, and then dive headfirst, often from considerable heights, to scoop up prey in their pouches. They then drain the water from the pouch before swallowing the fish.
Specializations
Their large pouch is a highly specialized adaptation for catching fish. The air sacs beneath their skin help them absorb the impact of diving.
Seasonal Diet Variations
Diet can vary depending on the availability of fish species. They may target different fish species during different seasons or in different locations.
Behavior
Social Structure
Brown Pelicans are highly social birds, often seen in flocks, both when feeding and roosting. They nest in colonies that can range from a few pairs to thousands of birds.
Communication
Grunts and croaks, Bill clapping, Head and pouch displays (during courtship and territorial disputes)
Migration
Some populations, particularly those in the northern parts of their range, migrate south for the winter. Others are resident year-round.
Territorial or Group Behaviors
While generally social, Brown Pelicans can be territorial around their nests, defending a small area from intruders. They often feed cooperatively, sometimes forming lines to herd fish into shallow water.
Conservation
Threats
Habitat loss (coastal development), Pollution (oil spills, plastic debris), Disturbance at nesting colonies, Entanglement in fishing gear, Climate change (sea level rise, changes in prey availability)
Protection Programs
Endangered Species Act (in the past, now delisted in most areas), Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Establishment of protected areas (e.g., National Wildlife Refuges), Monitoring of populations
Local National Laws
Protected under various state and federal laws in the United States and other countries within its range.
Population Trend
Increasing
Population Estimates
The global population is estimated to be over 650,000 individuals.
Interesting Facts
They were once endangered.
Populations plummeted in the mid-20th century due to the effects of the pesticide DDT, which caused eggshell thinning. They have made a remarkable recovery since DDT was banned.
They can hold a lot of water.
Their pouch can hold up to three gallons of water, much more than their stomach can hold.
They are excellent fliers.
Despite their size, Brown Pelicans are graceful fliers, often seen gliding in lines along coastlines.
Faqs about Brown Pelican
What is the purpose of the Brown Pelican's pouch?
The pouch is primarily used for catching fish. It acts like a net, allowing the pelican to scoop up fish and water. The water is then drained out before the fish are swallowed.
How deep can Brown Pelicans dive?
They typically dive from heights of 10-20 meters (30-65 feet), but can dive from even higher. The dive itself is usually shallow, just below the surface.
Are Brown Pelicans endangered?
They were listed as endangered in the United States in 1970, but were removed from the Endangered Species List in most areas by 2009 due to successful conservation efforts. They are currently classified as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN.
Do Brown Pelicans mate for life?
Brown pelicans are thought to form monogamous breeding pairs for a season, but whether they re-pair with the same mate in subsequent years is not definitively known and likely varies.
NATURE STYLE
Copyright @ Nature Style Limited. All Rights Reserved.