Brown Pelican

Identification

The brown pelican is a striking waterbird with distinctive plumage that changes seasonally. During breeding season, the nominate subspecies displays a white head with a yellowish wash on the crown, while the nape and neck are dark maroon–brown. White lines run along the base of the gular pouch on the upper sides of the neck, and a pale yellowish patch adorns the lower fore neck. In non-breeding plumage, the head and neck become entirely white, and the characteristic pink skin around the eyes dulls to gray. The pouch shifts to an olivaceous ochre-tinged color, and the legs become olivaceous gray to blackish-gray. Males and females are similar in appearance, though females are slightly smaller.

Range & Habitat

The brown pelican is found across a vast range spanning both American coasts. Along the Atlantic, it inhabits waters from New Jersey to the mouth of the Amazon River, while Pacific populations extend from British Columbia to Peru, including the Galapagos Islands. The species nests in colonies within secluded areas, favoring islands, vegetated land among sand dunes, thickets of shrubs and trees, and mangrove habitats where they can raise their young safely away from disturbance.

Behaviour & Diet

Brown pelicans are skilled hunters that primarily feed on fish, though they occasionally supplement their diet with amphibians, crustaceans, and the eggs and nestlings of birds. They are one of only two pelican species in the Americas that hunt by diving into water—a dramatic feeding technique that makes them exciting to observe. These birds are highly social, nesting in colonies and raising their young communally. Females lay two or three chalky white eggs, with both parents sharing incubation duties for 28 to 30 days. Chicks fledge in approximately 63 days, and juveniles leave the nest six to nine weeks after hatching, gathering into small groups called pods.

Best Time & Places to See It

Brown pelicans are widespread and accessible throughout their range, making them rewarding subjects for wildlife travelers. Coastal areas along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts offer excellent viewing opportunities. The species is a national bird of several Caribbean nations—Saint Martin, Barbados, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the Turks and Caicos Islands—as well as the official state bird of Louisiana. Their presence in mangrove ecosystems and around islands makes tropical and subtropical coastal regions particularly productive for observation.

Photography Tips

The brown pelican's dramatic diving behavior and striking seasonal plumage changes offer excellent photographic opportunities. Capture breeding birds with their distinctive dark-necked plumage and pale underparts, or photograph them in flight to showcase their powerful silhouettes. Coastal habitats provide natural perching spots where these birds rest between feeding sessions. The contrast between breeding and non-breeding plumage makes timing important—plan trips accordingly if you wish to photograph their most colorful seasonal variations. Patient observation near nesting colonies or feeding areas will reward you with action shots of these remarkable divers in pursuit of fish.