Pelecanus occidentalis, commonly known as the Brown Pelican, is native to the Americas. It is primarily found along the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean in the Americas, ranging from North America (as far north as Vancouver, Canada) down through Central America and into South America, reaching as far south as Chile and Argentina. It is also found along the Pacific coast, from California to northern Peru, and in the Caribbean and Galapagos Islands.

The Brown Pelican inhabits warm coastal marine and estuarine environments. It prefers areas with abundant shallow waters such as beaches, mangrove swamps, and estuaries. It thrives in regions with mild to warm climates, and is often seen in bays, lagoons, and near-shore waters.

As a fish-eating bird, the Brown Pelican is primarily found in coastal habitats where fish are abundant. It is known for its distinctive plunge-diving technique to catch prey, mainly small fish. The species often roosts and nests on islands or isolated areas with minimal human disturbances. Brown Pelicans play a vital role in the ecosystem as both predators of fish and as prey for larger animals, helping maintain the balance in their marine environments.