Pelecanus occidentalis californicus

(Ridgway, 1884)

Vernacular names
English : Brown pelican
French : Pélican brun

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Pelecaniformes
Family : Pelecanidae
Notes : 4 other subspecies known.

Identification
The species can grow to 152 cm in length for a weight up to 3.5 kg and a bill length of 34 cm. Plumage is vermiculated grey and black with brown neck and face, white to yellow cap. Red eye ring. Gular pouch bright red when breeding.

Range and habitat
This subspecies breeds on Pacific coast, from California to Mexico. The species also occurs on Atlantic coast, on Galapagos and on Caribbean islands. Lives in bays, estuaries, mangroves, bare islands close to shore.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : Most populations of this species are thriving. Decline occurred in the 1980s due to poisoning by pesticides but problem has apparently been solved.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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