Brown Pelican
Pelecanus occidentalis
pelicano pardo
Voice: Silent as adults, although young in nest make groaning noises.
Status: Locally common resident along the Lower Coast; occasionally found inland (primarily) along the Rio Grande. Accidental to Falcon Dam. Often seen perched on poles or flying in formation.
Habitat: Open coast and bays.
Best Spots: Fairly easy to see year-round at Boca Chica and South Padre Island. At Boca Chica, Brown Pelicans can be seen from the mouth of the Rio Grande to the jetties. At South Padre, to be looked for in the Laguna Madre, especially near the jetties. Also seen at the World Birding Center's South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center (near the SPI Convention Center).
Similar Species: With its white plumage, orange-yellow bill, and black flight feathers, the American White Pelican is visually distinctive from the mostly brownish plumage of Brown Pelican. Although both species may be found side-by-side in the Laguna Madre, American White Pelican generally prefers inland freshwater lakes or brackish lagoons and feed by schooling fish in large groups. Conversely, Brown Pelicans are solitary hunters, making spectacular plunge-dives in the deeper waters of the open coast.
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