Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)

8/19/04 Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County, CA

 8/7/17 Oceano Dunes SVRA, Pismo State Beach, San Luis Obispo County, CA

10/27/02 Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach, Orange County, CA 

3/9/02 Rocks off beach across from Malibu Creek Lagoon (access from Cross Creek Rd off PCH), Malibu Creek State Park, Los Angeles County, CA

6/8/02 Salt Creek Campground, Salton Sea, Imperial County, CA

1/14/01 Andree Clark Bird Refuge, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County, CA

LIFE LIST NOTES:

COMMON NAME: Brown Pelican

SPECIES: Pelecanus occidentalis 

FAMILY: Pelecanidae (Pelicans)

LIFE LIST DATE: 1/14/2001

LOCATION: Andree Clark Bird Refuge, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County, CA

From Stokes Field Guide to Birds-Western Region & Kaufman Focus Guide-Birds of North America:

HABITAT/BEHAVIOR: Flap and glide over the surf or plunge from high in the air to capture fish in their huge bills. Mostly rare inland, but a few wander into the southwest every summer, and large numbers may visit Salton Sea, CA. Endangered at one time by effects of pesticides, these pelicans have made a good comeback since the use of DDT was outlawed. 

IDENTIFYING MARKS: 45"; a large coastal bird; gray-brown body and wings; large dark bill; dark throat pouch. Neck all white in non breeding adult; nape is brown in breeding adult. 

VOICE: Adults usually quiet; at nest give a soft check check. Young at nest can give loud barks and screams as they compete for food.