Brown Pelican

Scientific Name: Pelecanus occidentalis

Population Estimate: 300K, Least Concern status

Range / Habitat: Found along southern and western sea coasts of the US. Also along Caribbean, Mexico and Central America coasts.

Field Notes: Large brown water birds with white head and yellow forehead. In flight they glide just above the water and have a roller coaster pattern when they flap their wings (rising up) and glide (falling down).

Personal Notes: A lovely surprise at the Salton Sea in California, they only place these birds are reliably found inland.