Brown Pelican

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Brown Pelican Photo

Brown Pelicans are rare inland, but are commonly seen along the California coast and in San Francisco Bay. As with certain birds of prey, the pesticide DDT contributed to reduced populations of pelicans throughout the United States by weakening the shells of their eggs. Populations began recovery after the pesticide was banned.

Identifying characteristics:

• Size: 40 inches | Wingspan: 90 inches
• Long bill with pouch
• Short legs and heavy body
• Brown plumage
• White head and neck (immature pelicans are dark brown overall)
• Webbed feet

Pelicans fish by diving head first into the water -- a spectacular sight, especially when pelicans fish in numbers. Their diet consists primarily of small fish (herring, anchovies).

See additional Bay Area Pelican Photos

Photo © Mike Baird

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^{Mike Baird Bio
Sources: U.S. Geological Survey | Cornell Lab of Ornithology}