| Size |
Brown pelicans range from 41- 60 in (105-152 cm) with a wingspan of 80- 90 in (203-228 cm) |
| Weight |
Average 7.7 lb (3.5 kg) with the female slightly smaller than the male |
| Conservation Status |
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| Diet |
Brown pelicans are primarily picivorous, meaning they mainly eat fish. In the wild these birds consume fish they capture by diving from the air into the water. Occasionally the birds will also eat crustaceans. At the Zoo the birds are offered a variety of fish that includes smelt, capelin and their favorite trout. The diet is supplemented with vitamins and minerals important for fish eaters. Keepers typically toss the fish to the pelicans; the birds will catch the fish out of the air in their large pouch they then extend their necks to swallow. |
| Geographic Range |
Pacific coast of America from California (P.o. californicus) to Mexico and the Atlantic coast from S. Carolina to Venezuela (P.o. carolinensis). Occupies strictly marine habitats. |
| Where to find me in the Zoo |
Carnivore Kingdom |
Note: Description below should include Longevity, Behavior, and Reproduction information
The body is all brown with a white head and black feet. This is the only pelican species that is mostly brown in color. The bare parts of the bill pouch can color up during breeding turning a bright red. Their feet are short, set relatively far apart and all 4 toes are connected with webbing. This makes them very efficient swimmers but awkward walking on land.
Longevity
Longevity in the wild is not well known but they can live to be over 30 years in captivity. Many brown pelicans in U.S. zoos come from wildlife rehabilitators and their exact ages are unknown.
Behavior
This is the only pelican species that regularly feeds by plunge-diving; diving head down into the water with its bill open. They are usually found in large groups, breeding in colonies.
Reproduction
The brown pelican nests primarily on the ground in a small depression using little nesting material. Two to 3 eggs are laid and the chicks hatch out about 30 days later. Chicks fledge from the nest at around 63 days of age and are fed by the parents for another 2 weeks after fledging. Brown pelicans are sexually mature at about 2-3 years of age.
Scylla: Female, born July, 2000 in the wild. She arrived at the Zoo on March 28, 2001 from an
animal rehabilitation center in California. The center was unable to release her back to the wild
because damage to her right eye left her partially blind. Scylla is a California brown pelican,
subspecies californicus.
Glutton: Male, born in 1986 in the wild. He arrived at the Zoo on June 4, 1987 from an animal
rehabilitation center in Florida. The center was unable to release him back to the wild because
of an injury to his right wing. He was incapable of full flight and the wing was later amputated.
Glutton is an eastern brown pelican, subspecies carolinensis.
Enrichment
Adoption Information
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