Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis


HOW TO IDENTIFY:

* Length: 41 inches Wingspan: 90 inches
* Sexes similar
* Huge, dark bird
* Long bill with a pouch, dark on Atlantic/Gulf coasts; bill paler along Pacific coast, becomes yellow during breeding season
* Flies with neck tucked
* Plunges from great heights into water to catch fish

Adult alternate:

* White foreneck and head with yellow crown
* Chestnut neck and nape
* Gray-brown body plumage with slightly darker flight feathers

Adult basic:

* Yellowish crown
* White head and neck
* Gray-brown body plumage with slightly darker flight feathers

Immature:

* Dark brown overall, gradually acquiring adult plumage over three years

Similar species:

None.