How To Identify Brown Pelicans In The Wild

A juvenile brown pelican resting on a cliff photographed by Jonathan R. Biermann in La Jolla, California.

Introduction:

Brown pelicans are fascinating coastal birds known for their striking appearance and unique behaviors. Whether you're an avid #birdwatcher or just someone who enjoys spending time by the shore, being able to identify brown pelicans in the wild can enhance your #wildlife-watching experience. In this blog post, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to recognize these majestic #birds in their natural habitat.

"Mother Nature's best-designed bird, the brown pelican" -Jonathan R. Biermann

Physical Characteristics:

The first step in identifying brown pelicans is understanding their physical characteristics. Brown pelicans are large, #waterbird species with distinctive features:

• Size: Adult #brownpelicans typically measure between 42 to 54 inches in length, with a wingspan ranging from 6.5 to 7 feet. There are one of the smallest pelican species out of the eight in this world.

• Color: Despite their name, #brown #pelicans aren't entirely brown. They have a brownish-grey body with a white head and neck. Durning the breeding season, adult pelicans develop vibrant breeding plumage, with a reddish brown neck and bright blue eyes. Sometimes the eye can be brown or green depending on individual pelican.

• Bill: One of the most recognizable features of brown pelicans is their long, hooked bill. The bill is predominantly grayish-brown but turns yellow at the tip during the breeding season.

• Pouch: Brown pelicans have a large, expandable throat pouch. This pouch is used for scooping up fish while feeding.

• Legs and Feet: Their legs and webbed feet are black, making them well suited for swimming and diving.

Behavioral Traits:

Observing brown pelican behavior can also help you identify them:

• Flight: Brown pelicans are know for their distinctive flight style. They often fly in a single-file line, close to the water's surface, with their long necks curved back and their bills resting on their breasts.

• Diving: Brown pelicans are plunge #divers. In fact they are the only pelican of the eight species in this world that dive from heights around 60 feet above the water. They soar high above the water, spot their prey (usually fish), and then dive headfirst into the water to catch it. This behavior is a unique spectacle and a clear sign of brown pelicans.

• Grouping:You'll often find brown pelicans a common #shorebird in groups or #briefs, especially during feeding. They may or cluster together on jetties, docks, or buoys.

Habitat and Range:

To increase your chances of spotting brown pelicans, it's essential to know their preferred habitat and range:

• Coastal Areas: Brown pelicans are primarily coastal birds, so you'll find them along coastlines, estuaries, bays, and sometimes even near large lakes.

• Range: Their range includes the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts of North and South America. In the United States, they are commonly seen along the Gulf of Mexico and the southern Atlantic coast.

Other Identifying Features:

Lastly, consider these additional features when identifying brown pelicans:

• Voice: Brown pelicans are not particularly vocal birds, but they may produce low, guttural sounds, especially during breeding displays.

• Juvenile Birds: Juvenile brown pelicans have a more uniformly brown appearance and lack the adult's white head and neck.

• Time of Year: Breeding plumage and colors are most prominent durning the breeding season, which typically occurs in the winter months.

Conclusion:

Identifying brown pelicans in the wild can be a rewarding experience for bird enthusiast and nature lovers alike. By paying attention to their physical characteristics, behaviors, habitat, and range, you can confidently recognize these captivating birds during your coastal adventures. Whether they're soaring gracefully above the water or plunging into the waves for their next meal, brown pelicans are a remarkable sight to behold in their natural habitat.