Pelicans
The Brown Pelican
Brown colored pelicans are actually juvenile pelicans. When they reach maturity
in their third to fourth year their plumage changes to a gray-white speckled
body and white to yellowish head (top picture).
How do you tell a male from a female pelican?
Guess! Their plumage is identical. but male pelicans have longer beaks.
The average male pelican's beak measures 14", the female's only 12.5".
The males are also slightly larger (though there are exceptions to both
rules). Pelicans go back 40 million years in time. They are now on the
endangered species list. Needless to say they are wonderful beings who
deserve our protection.
More about pelicans and the Network seabird pond at pelicanlife.org.
Fishing hooks and lines are a serious threat to pelicans year round ,
especially in late summer when young pelicans come to the mainland for
the first time. Inexperienced and hungry they eagerly go after "easy"
food from fishermen and often end up with severe injuries such as this
unfortunate female pelican.
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