Pelecanus occidentalis
Length: 40-55 in Wingspan: 80 in Weight: 4-12 lbs
Identification:
Gray body with dark belly and flight feathers. Head/neck dark brown on back, light on front. Western subspecies had bright red throat pouch during breeding season.
Distribution:
Resident year round in coastal areas from California to Ecuador on the Pacific Coast. On the Atlantic Coast, resident from New Jersey south to Venezuela. During non-breeding season, roam north and around wider areas of ocean.
Cool Facts:
A group of Brown Pelicans is called a squadron. These majestic birds were the focus of the first ever National Wildlife Refuge, Pelican Island, which was established in Florida by Theodore Roosevelt in 1903.
Make your own bird cookies!
References:
Bird on the Move 