Birds Active during the day

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

iNaturalist eBird Wikipedia

Witness the dramatic plunge-dive of the Brown Pelican, a coastal icon known for its massive bill and prehistoric silhouette. From sun-drenched piers to the crashing surf, these social giants are the undisputed masters of the American shoreline.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

straighten

Size

Length: 1–1.5 m (3.3–5 ft); Wingspan: 2–2.3 m (6.5–7.5 ft); Weight: 2–5 kg (4.4–11 lb)

palette

Colors

Adults have a grayish-brown body with a white head and yellow crown. During breeding, the neck turns a deep maroon-brown. Juveniles are dusky brown overall.

visibility

Key Features

Massive bill with an expandable throat pouch (gular pouch)
Unique plunge-diving behavior from heights up to 60 feet
Large wingspan with a slow, rhythmic wingbeat
Distinctive 'S' shape neck during flight

When You’ll See Them

schedule

Activity pattern Active during the day

brightness_5

Peak hours 7 AM - 11 AM, 3 PM - sunset

calendar_month

Season Year-round in southern ranges; March-October in northern ranges

restaurant

Diet Primarily small schooling fish like menhaden, herring, and anchovies, caught by plunge-diving and scooping them into the throat pouch.

park

Habitat Strictly coastal; found in estuaries, bays, mangrove swamps, and along sandy beaches or rocky cliffs.

public Geographic range

Where Does the Brown Pelican Live?

Native to the coastal fringes of the Americas, the Brown Pelican is a quintessential seaside resident. Its territory stretches from the Atlantic shores of New Jersey down to the mouth of the Amazon River, while on the Pacific side, it ranges from British Columbia to the coast of Peru and the Galapagos Islands. These birds are strictly marine, rarely venturing more than a few miles inland, and are most concentrated along the Gulf Coast and the warm waters of the Caribbean.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

9 Countries

4.8M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

US United States MX Mexico BR Brazil PE Peru CO Colombia EC Ecuador CA Canada VE Venezuela PA Panama

eco

iNaturalist / Verified observation data

View on iNaturalist open_in_new

Explore more Birds arrow_forward

Behavior

Brown Pelicans are highly social birds, often seen traveling in groups that fly in long, graceful lines or V-formations just inches above the ocean surface. They are famous for their dramatic foraging technique, where they soar high above the water to spot schools of fish and then suddenly plunge-dive headfirst into the waves. This high-impact dive is cushioned by internal air sacs beneath their skin, a unique adaptation that protects them from the force of the water.

While they are majestic in flight, they are equally comfortable perched on man-made structures like piers, jetties, and docks. They are generally tolerant of humans, especially in areas where fishing is common, though they are not truly domesticated. In nesting colonies, they are quite gregarious, building nests in trees or on the ground depending on the environment, and they communicate through various head-swaying displays rather than vocalizations, as adults are mostly silent.

photo_camera EverydayEarth exclusive

Camera Tips

To capture the Brown Pelican on camera, focus on coastal transit points and frequent perching spots. If you have a backyard dock or live near a pier, mount your camera approximately 3 to 5 feet above the surface of the piling where birds are known to sit. Angle the camera slightly upward to capture their massive wingspan as they land, as a straight-on shot often cuts off their wingtips. Because they are large birds, you don't need a macro setup; a wide-angle lens is actually preferable to capture the full scale of their 7-foot wingspan.

Timing is critical for high-quality captures. These birds are most active in the early morning and late afternoon when the light is golden and schooling fish are most likely to be near the surface. To encourage them to land on a specific piling for a clear shot, ensure the perch is the highest point in the immediate vicinity. If your camera has a high-speed trigger or a 'burst' mode, use it; their plunge-dives and landings happen in a split second, and standard trail cameras might suffer from shutter lag, resulting in a blurry wing or a splash but no bird.

Be mindful of the intense glare common in coastal environments, which can wash out the fine details of their silvery-gray plumage. Position your camera so the sun is behind it, illuminating the bird’s face. During the breeding season (winter and spring in many areas), look for the vibrant yellow and chestnut colors on their heads. If you're using a motion-triggered camera, set the sensitivity to 'Medium'—their large size will easily trigger the sensor, but 'High' sensitivity might cause too many false captures from moving waves or swaying marsh grass.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Brown Pelican.

American White Pelican

Much larger and snowy white; feeds by swimming on the surface rather than plunge-diving.

Peruvian Pelican

Similar in appearance but nearly twice the weight; found specifically along the Pacific coast of South America.

Browse all Birds arrow_forward

Frequently Asked Questions

Brown Pelicans are strictly diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours when schooling fish are most likely to be near the surface of the water, making them easier to spot from the air during their dramatic plunge-dives.

Attracting Brown Pelicans to a backyard is only possible if you have a dock or waterfront property. They are attracted to high, sturdy perches like pilings or floating docks. While they are scavengers at fishing piers, it is best not to feed them directly, as this can lead to habituation and potential injury from fishing hooks or line.

They primarily eat small schooling fish such as menhaden, smelt, and anchovies. They are unique among pelican species for their ability to dive from great heights to catch prey, using their expandable throat pouch like a net to scoop up fish and then draining the water out before swallowing.

They are very common in suburban coastal areas, especially near canals, marinas, and beachfront developments. However, you will rarely see them more than a few miles inland, as they are entirely dependent on saltwater and brackish ecosystems for their food.

You can tell them apart because the Brown Pelican is smaller, mostly dark gray-brown, and dives from the air for food. In contrast, the American White Pelican is significantly larger, snowy white with black wingtips, and feeds while swimming on the surface, often in groups.

Record Brown Pelican at your habitat

Connect a camera to start building your own species record — AI identifies every visitor automatically.

Join free Identify a photo