Brown pelicans are a species of seabird found in coastal areas of North, Central, and South America. They are large birds known for their huge bill and throat pouch used for catching fish. While brown pelicans have a impressive wingspan of up to 2.3 meters (7.5 feet), they are not the smallest pelican species.
Brown Pelican Size and Wingspan
Brown pelicans are one of the larger pelican species. They measure between 1-1.5 meters (3.3-4.9 feet) long and have a wingspan of 2-2.5 meters (6.6-8.2 feet). Their wingspan can reach up to 2.3 meters at the upper end of their range. This makes them a relatively large seabird.
Their wings are long and broad, ideal for soaring over the ocean waves looking for fish. The long wings enable the brown pelican to glide without flapping for long periods of time, allowing them to conserve energy as they search for prey.
Despite their size, brown pelicans only weigh between 2.5-5.5 kg (5.5-12 lbs). Their bones are hollow and their plumage is light, making them buoyant and well-adapted for floating on the water.
So while brown pelicans have a wingspan on the larger end for pelicans, they are not exceptionally heavy birds. The combination of their large wingspan and light weight allows them to gracefully glide over the ocean for long periods without tiring.
Other Pelican Species
While brown pelicans are one of the larger pelican species, they are not the smallest. The smallest pelican species include:
– Australian pelican: 1.5-2.5 m wingspan (4.9-8.2 feet), average length of 1-1.5 m (3.3-4.9 feet)
– Pink-backed pelican: 1.8-2.5 m wingspan (5.9-8.2 feet), average length of 1-1.5 m (3.3-4.9 feet)
– Spot-billed pelican: 1.5-1.8 m wingspan (4.9-5.9 feet), average length of 1-1.5 m (3.3-4.9 feet)
– Gray pelican: 1.5-2 m wingspan (4.9-6.6 feet), average length of 1-1.5 m (3.3-4.9 feet)
So while the brown pelican does have a impressively large wingspan, four other pelican species have smaller average wingspans. The Australian pelican can have a wingspan as small as 1.5 meters (4.9 feet), considerably shorter than the brown pelican’s maximum 2.3 meter wingspan.
Key Facts About Brown Pelicans
Here are some key facts about brown pelicans:
Species and Appearance
– Part of the Pelicanidae family of large water birds
– There are 7 subspecies of brown pelicans around the world
– Identified by their large grayish-brown bodies and huge throat pouches
– Bills and legs are yellowish to brownish-gray
– Males and females have similar plumage
Size and Wingspan
– Length ranges from 1-1.5 m (3.3-4.9 ft)
– Wingspan ranges from 2-2.5 m (6.6-8.2 ft)
– Weigh between 2.5-5.5 kg (5.5-12 lbs)
– Wings are long and broad for soaring flight
Habitat and Range
– Found in coastal areas of North, Central and South America
– Nest on beaches, mangrove islands, and cliffs
– Migration patterns dependent on food availability
– Northern populations migrate south in winter
– Year-round residence along warm coastlines
Diet and Hunting
– Piscivores – primary diet is fish
– Dive from heights up to 20 m to grab fish in bill pouch
– Also feed on amphibians and crustaceans
– Require up to 1.8 kg of food per day
– Often hunt cooperatively in groups
So in summary, while the brown pelican has a substantial wingspan, it is not the smallest pelican species. Key identification features include its large size, striking brown and gray plumage, oversized bill, and throat pouch for catching fish. Brown pelicans are accomplished hunters that soar over coastal waters stalking fish from the air.
How Brown Pelicans Catch Fish
Brown pelicans have developed a unique hunting style to catch fish that takes advantage of their large wingspan and throat pouch. Here is an overview of how brown pelicans catch fish:
Flight and Dive
Brown pelicans will fly at heights of up to 20–40 m while searching for fish. When they spot a fish near the surface, they tuck their wings back and dive head-first into the water at speeds up to 96 km/hr. The force of the impact helps them grab prey.
Throat Pouch
Right before hitting the water, pelicans open their bill and expand the throat pouch. This allows them to scoop up fish as they plunge through the water. The elastic pouch can hold up to 13 litres of water and fish.
Water Drainage
Once back above the surface, brown pelicans tilt their bill downward to drain the water from the pouch while keeping the fish inside. They cannot swallow fish underwater.
Swallowing the Fish
The pelican then tilts its bill back and contracts muscles to slide the fish into its throat. Swallowing takes place outside the water once all water has drained from the pouch.
Impact Absorption
To protect their head and body, pelicans have air sacs in their face and beneath their skin to help cushion the impact of hitting the water. Their bones are light and hollow as well.
Cooperative Hunting
Brown pelicans may also hunt in groups. They can form a line to herd fish into shallow water or surround them in a flock. This cooperative strategy enables them to catch more fish.
So in summary, brown pelicans are specially adapted for plunging from great heights and using their throat pouch to scoop up fish before draining the water and swallowing their prey. It is a technique unique among birds to pelicans.
Brown Pelican Population Status
Brown pelicans experienced significant population declines in the past, but have rebounded in recent decades. Here is an overview of their population status:
Historic Declines
In the 1960s-70s, brown pelican numbers plummeted due to impacts of DDT pesticide use and human disturbance of nesting colonies. The species was listed as endangered in 1970 under the Endangered Species Act. At their lowest point, there were only 500-1000 breeding pairs left in the United States.
Recovery Efforts
After DDT was banned in 1972, concerted conservation efforts helped brown pelican populations recover. Protection of breeding habitats was increased and reintroduction programs helped re-establish populations.
Improving Status
Brown pelican numbers have significantly increased over the past few decades:
- 1985 – population back up to over 80,000 individuals
- 1990s – over 1 million brown pelicans in Western hemisphere
- 2009 – removed from Endangered Species List in US following recovery
- 2017 – global population estimated at over 650,000 mature individuals
So while they suffered major declines in the 20th century, brown pelican populations have rebounded well with conservation efforts and now number in the hundreds of thousands again in the Americas. They serve as an example of a successful wildlife recovery story.
Comparison of Brown Pelican Size to Other Birds
The brown pelican has an impressively large wingspan compared to many other bird species. Here is a table comparing the brown pelican’s size to some other large coastal and aquatic birds:
| Bird | Length (m) | Wingspan (m) |
|---|---|---|
| Brown Pelican | 1.0 – 1.5 | 2.0 – 2.5 |
| Bald Eagle | 0.7 – 1.0 | 1.8 – 2.3 |
| Great Blue Heron | 0.9 – 1.5 | 1.7 – 2.0 |
| Albatross | 0.8 – 1.1 | 1.8 – 3.4 |
| Frigatebird | 0.8 – 1.2 | 1.8 – 2.3 |
This table shows that the brown pelican is one of the larger seabirds based on body length. Its wingspan is also at the upper end of the range, surpassed only by some albatross species. The brown pelican’s large wingspan allows it to soar for long periods looking for fish to dive for.
Conclusion
In summary, while the brown pelican does have a substantial wingspan of up to 2.3 meters, it is not the smallest pelican species. Pelicans like the Australian pelican can have significantly smaller wingspans down to 1.5 meters.
However, the brown pelican remains one of the larger pelican species and has one of the largest wingspans of coastal seabirds. This allows it to be an expert fisher, using its adaptable throat pouch and ability to dive from great heights to catch prey.
After suffering severe declines in the 20th century, brown pelican populations have rebounded well through conservation efforts. Their recovery stands as an example of how protecting habitats and managing human impacts can bring a species back from the brink. With over 650,000 mature brown pelicans now in the world, the species has recovered its role as an iconic and important part of marine ecosystems in the Americas.
