Brown Pelican
Pelecanus occidentalis
Quick answer
The brown pelican dives from heights into fish schools, scooping prey in an expandable throat pouch. Weighing about 4 kg, living about 25 years, and flying 48 km/h, it recovered spectacularly after DDT caused eggshell thinning — a major conservation success.
Brown Pelican facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Pelecanus occidentalis |
|---|---|
| Diet | Piscivore — mainly fish such as anchovies and sardines |
| Habitat | Coastal Americas, Caribbean, and Galápagos |
| Lifespan | 20–25 years in the wild |
| Weight | 2–5 kg (4.4–11 lb); males slightly larger |
| Top speed | Up to 48 km/h (30 mph) in flight; plunge dives from 20 m |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus |
Where it lives
Coastal Americas from British Columbia and Chesapeake Bay to Chile and the Galápagos; Caribbean coasts.
What is a group of brown pelicans called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Brown Pelicans is called a pod.
Baby name
A baby Brown Pelican is called a chick.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Distribution and habitat
Brown Pelicans live in Coastal Americas from British Columbia and Chesapeake Bay to Chile and the Galápagos; Caribbean coasts. Preferred habitat includes coastal americas, caribbean, and galápagos. Across North America, South America, population density reflects prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and wildlife corridors remain essential for long-term persistence.
Physical traits and behaviour
Brown Pelicans typically reach about 1.4 m in length and 4 kg in weight, with top speeds near 48 km/h. The plunge-diving fisher. Daily activity, social structure, and seasonal movements reflect pressures in their native environment.
Diet and ecological role
Brown Pelicans feed on piscivore — mainly fish such as anchovies and sardines. Foraging shifts with season and local abundance. As birds, they influence food webs — controlling prey, dispersing seeds, or shaping habitat through feeding and movement.
Conservation and coexistence
Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate change threaten many populations. Responsible ecotourism and community conservation help in parts of their range. Never approach or feed wild brown pelicans.
Human interest and research
Brown Pelicans feature in folklore, tourism, and scientific study worldwide. Ongoing research tracks population trends, genetics, and responses to environmental change — data that guides national protection policies.
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Explore the Brown Pelican
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Range & geography
Did you know? Brown Pelican facts
- Brown pelicans dive from heights into schools of fish, scooping prey in expandable throat pouches.
- The pouch catches fish temporarily — pelicans drain water then swallow.
- Up to several kilograms — but usually one large fish per dive.
- Conservation: Least Concern.
Diet & feeding
Brown Pelican feeds primarily as a fish.
Adaptations
- Air sacs cushion impact as pelicans hit water at high speed.
- DDT caused eggshell thinning — banning it allowed pelican recovery.
Behaviour & ecology
- Air sacs cushion impact as pelicans hit water at high speed.
- DDT caused eggshell thinning — banning it allowed pelican recovery.
Communication
- Brown Pelican uses calls and visual displays to communicate territory, alarm, and breeding status.
- Vocal repertoires vary by species and are often learned or refined during development.
Habitat & range
Coastal Americas and Caribbean
Ecological role
Brown Pelican contributes to seed dispersal, insect control, or nutrient cycling depending on diet and foraging habits.
Frequently asked questions about the Brown Pelican
Where do brown pelicans live?
Coastal Americas from British Columbia and Chesapeake Bay to Chile and the Galápagos; Caribbean coasts.
What do brown pelicans eat?
Piscivore — mainly fish such as anchovies and sardines.
How long do brown pelicans live?
About 25 years in the wild on average.
Are brown pelicans endangered?
IUCN status: Least Concern.
What is a group of brown pelicans called?
A group of Brown Pelicans is called a pod.
What is a baby brown pelican called?
A baby Brown Pelican is called a chick.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Brown Pelican:
-
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Least Concern) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Pelecanus occidentalis.
- IUCN Red List — Pelecanus occidentalis.
Conservation status (Least Concern) and population trends.
- Animal Diversity Web — Pelecanus occidentalis. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
Life history, morphology, and range.
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