Brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis

Identification Tips:

• Sexes similar
• Huge, dark bird
• Long bill with a pouch, dark on Atlantic/Gulf coasts; bill paler along Pacific coast, becomes yellow during breeding season
• Flies with neck tucked
• Plunges from great heights into water to catch fish

Adult alternate:

• White foreneck and head with yellow crown
• Chestnut neck and nape
• Gray-brown body plumage with slightly darker flight feathers

Adult basic:

• Yellowish crown
• White head and neck
• Gray-brown body plumage with slightly darker flight feathers

Immature:

• Dark brown overall, gradually acquiring adult plumage over three years

Similar species:

None.