Brown pelicans are one of the smallest species among 8 species of pelicans
and also are the largest flying birds among all the birds and are famous because
of their unusual appearance. Pelicans range from 106 to 137 centimeters in length
and weighs around 2.75 to 5.5 lbs and a wingspan from 1.84 to 2.4 meters. Pelicans
are fishing type birds and mostly found near around lakes, rivers, marshes,
and seacoasts.
The Brown Pelican has an enormous bill and expandable throat pouch to catch
fish under water. Unlike other pelicans, the Brown Pelican captures its prey
by way of a spectacular head-first dive in the water. They are found on and
around all the Earth's continents except Antarctica region. The nest location
varies from a simple scrape on the ground on an island to a bulky stick nest
in a low tree.
These birds nest in colonies, usually on islands. Pelicans that nest in cold
regions make long autumn flights to warmer places. A pelican have the capability
to eat several pounds of fish each a day. Groups of Brown Pelicans often travel
in single file, flying low over the water's surface. Most species of pelicans
feed from the water surface. Among the threats that remain are their fluctuating
northern anchovy food supply. Humans and dog disturbance of their ground nests
is also becoming a problem.
