Mature Brown Pelicans

Pelecanus occidentalis

About The Pelican

Mature Brown Pelicans are an essential part of conservation and a balanced ecosystem on the Channel Islands. Although once listed as endangered, these birds have made a miraculous return and have become delisted as recently as 2009.

Fun Facts

  • Brown pelicans can build large structures on the ground, trees, or vegetation.

  • Pelicans usually lay three eggs with adults sharing incubation responsibilities.

  • The Mature Brown Pelican can dive from 60 feet in the air.

  • A pelican's throat is able to hold up to 2 gallons of water.

Appearance

Mature brown pelicans are usually around 8 pounds and 4 feet in length, having a wingspan of over 6.5 feet. There are six subspecies of pelican that differ slightly in appearance, while males are slightly larger than females. Adults are usually characterized by their white neck and belly, pale yellow head and reddish orange throat. As breeding season approach’s the bird’s bill turns from a pale yellow to red. Interestingly, the yellow feathers found on their head will also start to fade during the onset of incubation and are replaced with white feathers.

Habitat On The Islands

Mature Brown Pelicans are aquatic birds and are typically found on offshore islands, beaches, or the open sea. Nesting colonies are established on the Channel Islands where a lack of predators and permanent human habitat is beneficial for the birds. On Anacapa Island and Santa Barbara Island, Mature Brown Pelicans can usually be found on areas that are less accessible, further protecting themselves from human involvement or interruption from threats.

Conservation

The government placed the pelican as an endangered species in 1970 and soon followed a enthusiastic effort to save the birds from further harm. The breeding population on the Mature Pelicans has increased since the mid 80s and as of 2011, the population is fairly stable on the California Channel Islands. On Anacapa Island, the bird colony has produced almost 5,000 new nests per year up until 2011. Since the mid-2000s, the pelicans have extended their nesting habits to incorporate more sites on the Channel Islands.