Brown Pelican - Pelecanus occidentalis

The Brown Pelican - Pelecanus occidentalis - although the smallest of the Pelican species is still a large seabird measuring approx 1 to 1.5m (3 to 5ft) long with a wingspan of 2 to 2.8m (6ft to 7ft 6in). It feeds by plunging into the sea from high up, using that force to stun small fish before scooping them up in its very large bill. Often gulls will sit on a pelicans head ready to steal fish as the Pelican drains its beak pouch. The oldest known Pelican was 43 years of age. This one was seen soaring over the ocean near Baby Beach, Aruba a few years ago.

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