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Brown pelican

(Pelecanus occidentalis)

galery

Description

Pelecanus occidentalis, commonly known as the brown pelican, is a species of pelican that is found in the Americas. It is the smallest of the eight species of pelicans, but it is still a large bird, measuring up to 55 inches in length and having a wingspan of up to 79 inches. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of this bird, including its habitat, appearance, behavior, diet, and conservation status. Habitat Brown pelicans are found in coastal and marine habitats, ranging from the southern United States down to the coasts of South America. They can also be found on some inland waterways, such as the Salton Sea in California. They prefer shallow waters, including bays, estuaries, and lagoons. They are often found roosting on pilings, jetties, and other man-made structures. Appearance Brown pelicans have a unique appearance, with a long, straight bill and a large throat pouch. They have dark brown plumage, with a white head and neck. During breeding season, their plumage becomes darker, and their bill turns a bright red color. They have webbed feet and long wings that they use to soar over the water. Diet The brown pelican's diet primarily consists of fish, which they catch by diving into the water from heights of up to 60 feet. They use their keen eyesight to spot fish swimming near the surface of the water, and then plunge into the water headfirst to capture their prey. Once they catch the fish, they store it in their expandable throat pouch, which can hold up to three gallons of water and fish. They then raise their heads and drain the water from their pouch before swallowing the fish whole. The brown pelican is an opportunistic feeder, which means that it will eat any type of fish that it can catch, including anchovies, sardines, mackerel, and mullet. They are also known to eat crustaceans and occasionally small birds. The brown pelican's diet is closely tied to the availability of fish in its habitat, and they are able to adjust their feeding behavior in response to changes in fish populations. This adaptability is one of the reasons why brown pelican populations have been able to rebound after declines caused by the use of pesticides such as DDT. Behavior The behavior of the brown pelican is quite fascinating and unique, and it is one of the reasons why this bird is so well-known and admired. Here are some of the behaviors that are commonly associated with the brown pelican: Diving: The brown pelican is perhaps best known for its spectacular diving behavior. It uses its keen eyesight to spot fish swimming near the surface of the water, and then dives from heights of up to 60 feet to catch its prey. During the dive, the pelican tucks its wings close to its body and uses them to slow down its descent. It then opens its bill and its throat pouch, which expands to catch the fish. The pelican then drains the water from its pouch before swallowing the fish whole. Soaring: When not diving for fish, the brown pelican can often be seen soaring over the water on its long, broad wings. It is an efficient flier and can cover long distances with minimal effort by using thermals to gain altitude and then gliding on the wind. Roosting: Brown pelicans are social birds and are often seen roosting together on piers, jetties, and other man-made structures. They are also known to roost in trees and on cliffs. Roosting provides the pelicans with protection from predators and allows them to rest and conserve energy. Vocalizing: Brown pelicans are not known for their vocalizations, but they do have a variety of calls and sounds that they use to communicate with each other. These include a low, throaty growl, a loud squawk, and a nasal honk. Courtship: During breeding season, male brown pelicans will perform a variety of courtship displays to attract females. These may include head bobbing, preening, and bill clattering. Once a pair bond is formed, the male will present the female with sticks and other materials for nest building. Overall, the behavior of the brown pelican is fascinating and unique, and it is a testament to the adaptability and resilience of these remarkable birds. Conservation Status The brown pelican was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1970, due to the widespread use of the pesticide DDT, which caused thinning of their eggshells and a decline in their populations. However, due to conservation efforts and the banning of DDT in the United States in 1972, the brown pelican has made a significant recovery. It was removed from the endangered species list in 2009 and is now listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. In conclusion, the brown pelican is a fascinating bird that is known for its unique appearance and diving behavior. It is an important part of the coastal and marine ecosystems of the Americas and has made a remarkable recovery from near extinction due to human activities. It is a reminder of the resilience of nature and the importance of conservation efforts in preserving our planet's biodiversity.

Taxonomic tree:

Domain:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum:
Class: Aves
Order:Pelecaniformes
Family:Pelecanidae
Genus:Pelecanus
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