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BROWN PELICAN

Pelecanus occidentalis

pelican throwing anchovies into the air to catch in its large bill pouch
brown pelican plunge diving into the water
pelican plunge diving into the water at sunset
brown pelican flying by very closely at eye level
brown pelican flying overhead
brown pelican flying close to the oceans surface
a bird swimming in water

THE BROWN PELICAN: A GRACEFUL SENTINEL OF MONTEREY'S COASTLINE.

Brown Pelican, were one species severely impacted by the pesticide DDT, which caused eggshell thinning and reproductive failure, Brown Pelican populations experienced a significant decline and were listed as endangered. Following the ban of DDT and intensive conservation efforts, including habitat protection and captive breeding programs, Brown Pelican populations have rebounded, and the species has been removed from the endangered species list.

Diet

Medium Sized Fish

Population Status | Monterey

Least Concern

a close up of a birdBreeding Season

Summer

a drawing of a faceMain Habitat

Beaches and Bays

Legal Protection

Migratory Bird Treaty Act

Threats

Human Related Loss (Habitat Loss, Pesticides, Food Source Loss, Climate Change, Disturbance, Entanglement, Harassment, Oil Spills, Pollution)

Size

47 in (Unisex)

Weight

9.4 lb (Unisex)

a close up of a logoWingspan

6.5 ft

a close up of a birdLifespan

40 years (Unisex)