A bird of the coastlines, rarely found inland in South Dakota. The Brown Pelican is a spectacular plunge-diver, rocketing downward from 75 feet or higher as it plunges for fish below the surface. Brown Pelicans were seriously endangered by the 1960s, with North American populations reduced to a small Florida population. With the banning of DDT, Brown Pelicans have made a very strong comeback and are no longer endangered, although it is still officially listed as threatened.
Habitat
Generally shallow waters along coastlines. Only occasionally found on freshwater lakes.
Diet
Nearly all fish, occasionally crustaceans.
Behavior
Primarily feeds by plunge-diving. Will also occasionally dip its bill down for prey while swimming, as well as scavenge for food.
Breeding
Non-breeder in South Dakota. On their breeding grounds, Brown Pelicans typically nest in colonies on small, predator-free islands, where they build their nests either on the ground or within the sturdy branches of mangroves and other shrubs. Ground nests are often simple scrapes lined with feathers and grass, while tree nests are more elaborate platforms of sticks and reeds cemented together with their own droppings.
Song
Generally silent, with occasional grunts and croaks.
Migration
Normally a year-long resident of coastal areas, Brown Pelicans (especially immatures) occasionally wander inland in the summer.
Interactive eBird Map
Click to access an interactive map of Brown Pelican sightings
Similar Species
American White Pelican. The American White Pelican is a massive, snowy-white bird with black wingtips that primarily forages by swimming and dipping its bill, whereas the Brown Pelican is smaller, dark-bodied, and famous for its dramatic high-altitude plunge-dives into saltwater. You can also tell them apart by their bills: the American White develops a unique fibrous "horn" during breeding season, while the Brown Pelican maintains a more slender, grayish-brown profile year-round.
Status
Brown Pelicans declined very sharply by the 1960's, victims of eggshell thinning and breeding failures due to pesticides (primarily DDT). Brown Pelicans have recovered very well following the banning of DDT, and are still increasing in numbers and range. The IUCN lists the Brown Pelican as a species of "Least Concern".
Further Information
- eBird - Brown Pelican
- Audubon Field Guide - Brown Pelican
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology - All About Birds: Brown Pelican
Photo Information
February 13th, 2008 - Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Alabama - Terry Sohl
Additional Photos
Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Brown Pelican photos.
