Wednesday 12 October 2022

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Pelecanus ("pelican") occidentalis ("Western")

 

Numerous Brown Pelican (subspecies P. o. californicus) at Half Moon Bay, California - September 2022


Featured Subspecies: Pelecanus occidentalis californicus
Weight: 2-5kg  /  Length: 100-152cm  /  Wingspan: 200-228cm
NO UK STATUS IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The smallest of the extant pelican species and one that capable of achieving great local abundancy when the right conditions are met - in the case of Half Moon bay, perhaps hundreds were roosting on the rocky harbour walls, enabled by the abundant fishing grounds of the Pacific. They are also similarly, a species that tolerates humans well, with them being seen regularly even in urbanised areas along the sea.

Related Species:
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Pelecanidae
Genus: Pelecanus
SUBSPECIES: P. o. californicus, P. o. carolinensis, P. o. occidentalis, P. o. murphyi, P. o. urinator

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES 

Much of the coast of the Lower 48
 - CALIFORNIA 2022 TRIP: Seen at BerkeleyMontereyHalf Moon BayHalf Moon Bay Pelagic Trip and San Francisco

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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