Current Gallery: pelicans ( piece)
The Brown Pelican captures fish by diving headfirst into the ocean, opening its large bill and "netting" the fish with its gular pouch. Often seen sitting on posts around marinas. Doesn't breed before 3 years of age, when it obtains its its breeding plumage. The American White Pelican is a large white bird with black wing tips. A breeding adult has a bright orange bill & legs. Breeding adults also usually grow a flat fibrous plate in the middle of the upper mandible. The plate drops off after the eggs have hatched.
The Brown Pelican captures fish by diving headfirst into the ocean, opening its large bill and "netting" the fish with its gular pouch. Often seen sitting on posts around marinas. Doesn't breed before 3 years of age, when it obtains its its breeding plumage. The American White Pelican is a large white bird with black wing tips. A breeding adult has a bright orange bill & legs. Breeding adults also usually grow a flat fibrous plate in the middle of the upper mandible. The plate drops off after the eggs have hatched.