Coastal Carolina

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.

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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.

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