"Eastern" Brown Pelican

(Pelecanus occidentalis)

Date of Listing: Endangered, 1970

Brown Pelicans nest on small, isolated coastal islands where they are safe from predators such as raccoons and coyotes. When feeding, Pelicans soar in the air looking for fish near the surface of the water. When a fish is spotted, the Pelican goes into a dive, plunging 30 to 60 feet bill-first into the water. The impact of hitting the water would kill an ordinary bird, but the Pelican is equipped with air sacs just beneath the skin to cushion the blow. The loose skin on the underside of the bill extends to form a scoop net with an amazing capacity of 2.5 gallons. The Pelican drains the water from its pouch and tosses its head back to swallow the fish.

Note: Special thanks to the photographers for providing images of Texas endangered and threatened animals. All rights to these images are reserved. Educational use permitted.

Pelicans almost disappeared from Texas because they were poisoned by the pesticide DDT, which caused them to lay thin-shelled eggs which broke during incubation. Because they were not able to produce young, the number of Pelicans dropped to less than 100 birds during the years 1967-1974. Since DDT was banned in 1972, Pelicans have made a steady comeback.

Size:

About 9 lbs. with a 6 foot wingspread and 18-inch bill.

Diet:

Menhaden and Mullet fish.

Habitat (where it lives):

Along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts.

Range (where found in Texas):

Texas coast.

Life Span:

Up to 30 years or more

Reproduction:

2 to 4 white eggs.

Population Numbers:

Estimated 2400 breeding pairs in 1995.

Interesting Fact:

Young pelicans are fed for about 9 weeks. During this time, each nestling will eat about 150 pounds of fish.