Birds and Birding's Guide to:

Watching THE STORK-LIKE BIRDS

THE PELICANS (Family Pelecanida)

Brown Pelican

The following account of the manner of feeding of the Brown Pelican (P. occidentalis) is from the pen of Dr. Brewer: “Birds of this species are said to feed chiefly during the rising tide, wandering in extended trains along the shore, and diving occasionally, one after the other, when they meet with a shoal of fish.

They are very regular in their motions when flying, keeping at uniform distances, alternately flapping and sailing in imitation of their leader. They usually fly very close to the surface of the water, and then merely plunge obliquely, holding the bill so as to scoop up the small fish sideways; then, closing their wings, they hold up the head with the bill down so as to allow the water to run out.

This permits the escape of some of the fish, and gives the parasitic Gull a chance to obtain a share of the plunder, without in the least offending the dignified Pelican. Sometimes this bird dives from a considerable height, plunging downward with a spiral motion, although scarcely ever going beneath the surface, but immediately raising its bill from the water — usually with a stock of young fish in it. As a general rule this Pelican does not catch fish more than six inches long; but occasionally one weighing more than two pounds and a half may be found in its pouch."

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