Both brown pelicans and white pelicans are large birds, but white pelicans tend to be noticeably bigger. In this article, we will compare the size of these two pelican species in detail.
Basic Size Comparison
Brown pelicans typically measure anywhere from 50-70 cm long with a wingspan of 1.5-2 m. They weigh around 2.5-5.5 kg. White pelicans are much larger, generally measuring 1.5-2 m long with a wingspan of 2.3-3.1 m. They can weigh anywhere from 5-10 kg.
So in general, white pelicans are about twice the size of brown pelicans in terms of length, wingspan, and weight. The size difference is quite noticeable when these two species are seen side by side.
Key Size Differences
Let’s break down the size differences between brown and white pelicans in more detail:
Length
Brown pelicans have an average body length of around 60-70 cm. White pelicans are significantly longer, averaging 110-150 cm in length. The largest white pelicans can reach up to 183 cm long, over 2.5 times longer than the biggest brown pelicans.
Wingspan
Brown pelicans have an impressive wingspan of 1.5-2 m. But white pelicans have absolutely massive wingspans of 2.3-3.1 m, allowing them to soar with incredible power and efficiency. The wingspan of a white pelican can be over 50% greater than that of a brown pelican.
Weight
A typical brown pelican may weigh anywhere from 2.5-5.5 kg. White pelicans are noticeably heftier, weighing 5-10 kg on average. Large male white pelicans can weigh up to 12 kg, over twice as heavy as a big male brown pelican.
Bill Length
The bill length also differs significantly between these species. Brown pelicans have bills of 25-35 cm long. White pelicans have much longer bills of 36-48 cm, which may appear almost comically oversized compared to their smaller relatives.
Male vs Female Size
In both species, males tend to be larger than females. The size difference is most pronounced in white pelicans:
- Male brown pelicans are around 10% larger than females.
- Male white pelicans are 20-40% larger than females.
A male white pelican can outweigh a female by 3-4 kg and have a wingspan up to 1 meter longer. The sexual dimorphism in size is much more apparent in white pelicans compared to brown pelicans.
Geographic Variation
Both brown and white pelicans show some geographic variation in size depending on subspecies and region. For example:
- The California brown pelican is one of the largest subspecies, while the Galapagos pelican is the smallest.
- The American white pelican is the largest subspecies, while the smaller Dalmatian pelican resides in Eurasia.
Despite these regional differences, white pelicans tend to be substantially larger than brown pelicans across all subspecies and populations.
Skeleton Size Comparison
The skeletons of white pelicans are distinctly bigger and more robust than those of brown pelicans:
- The sternum (breastbone) of a white pelican is about 60% longer than a brown pelican’s.
- A white pelican’s skull is over twice the length of a brown pelican skull.
- The leg and foot bones of a white pelican are 50-60% longer than those of a brown pelican.
Across nearly every part of the skeleton, the white pelican is considerably larger in size compared to the brown pelican.
Table Comparing Measurements
| Measurement | Brown Pelican | White Pelican |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 50-70 cm | 110-183 cm |
| Wingspan | 1.5-2 m | 2.3-3.1 m |
| Weight | 2.5-5.5 kg | 5-12 kg |
| Bill Length | 25-35 cm | 36-48 cm |
This table summarizes the overall size differences, showing how white pelicans considerably outweigh and outmeasure brown pelicans across the board.
Comparison of Silhouettes
Looking at silhouettes of both birds together gives a clear visual representation of how much larger white pelicans are:
The white pelican is noticeably taller and has a significantly larger wingspan than the brown pelican. Even just the silhouette makes the size difference quite apparent.
Wingspan Comparison
This image shows two pelicans with their wings fully outstretched, demonstrating the massive wingspan of the white pelican compared to the smaller brown:
The white pelican on the right has a wingspan nearly double that of the brown pelican on the left. The wings are critical for these large seabirds to stay aloft and glide over water while hunting fish.
Comparison of Standing Height
When standing on the ground, a white pelican’s height is much greater than a brown pelican:
The brown pelican must stretch its neck up to reach the same height as a standing white pelican. The white pelican stands nearly twice as tall as the brown when on the ground.
Comparison of Leg and Foot Size
This close up shows the larger, thicker legs and feet of a white pelican compared to a brown pelican:
The white pelican on the right has significantly longer toes and wider, sturdier legs adapted for its larger size. The foot size mirrors the overall larger stature of white pelicans.
Flight Characteristics
The differing sizes of brown and white pelicans also affect their flight patterns and habits:
- Brown pelicans fly with quick, strong wingbeats in a V formation. Their smaller size allows more rapid flapping.
- White pelicans are more ponderous in flight, slowly flapping their huge wings in unison. Their greater size requires slower wingbeats to stay aloft.
The white pelican’s enormous wings provide sufficient lift for easy soaring, while the smaller brown pelican is better adapted for active flapping flight over the ocean.
Impacts on Feeding
These pelicans’ differing sizes also influence how they feed:
- Brown pelicans plunge dive straight down into the ocean to catch fish in their bill pouch.
- White pelicans scoop fish up near the surface, as the impact of plunge diving would be too dangerous for their larger size.
The brown pelican’s smaller body is better suited for diving from heights, while the white pelican’s huge bill allows it to scoop up more fish near the surface.
Nesting Behavior
Size impacts nesting behavior as well. White pelicans tend to nest in dense colonies on open ground near water. Their large size deters most predators. Brown pelicans usually nest in trees, on cliffs or elevated islands. Their smaller size makes ground nesting riskier for brown pelicans.
Conclusion
In summary, white pelicans are substantially larger than brown pelicans in every physical aspect. From their skeletons to their legs, wings, bills and total weight, white pelicans dwarfs their brown cousins in size. This size difference stems from the white pelican’s evolution to thrive in freshwater habitats, while brown pelicans are adapted for a marine lifestyle. The huge size of white pelicans gives them advantages like easier soaring flight and the ability to scoop more fish, while the smaller brown pelicans are equipped for plunge diving and rapid flight over ocean waters.
