Brown Pelican
Pelecanus occidentalis
Status: Least concern
Conservation Efforts: In the 1970’s, the brown pelican population was threatened by DDT. When brown pelicans ate fish that were contaminated with the pesticide, the eggs they laid had a thin shell and would break during incubation, because of the devastation it had on breeding success. Soon after, the IUCN banned the pesticide. Ever since, the population has made a strong comeback and numbers have increased.
Physical Description: Brown pelicans are a very large bird that is mostly dark brown, with a white neck and black legs. Their most known feature is their long beak and huge pouch that hangs from it. Brown pelicans have legs that are short and stumpy, with four toes on their
Pelecanus occidentalis
Status: Least concern
Conservation Efforts: In the 1970’s, the brown pelican population was threatened by DDT. When brown pelicans ate fish that were contaminated with the pesticide, the eggs they laid had a thin shell and would break during incubation, because of the devastation it had on breeding success. Soon after, the IUCN banned the pesticide. Ever since, the population has made a strong comeback and numbers have increased.
Physical Description: Brown pelicans are a very large bird that is mostly dark brown, with a white neck and black legs. Their most known feature is their long beak and huge pouch that hangs from it. Brown pelicans have legs that are short and stumpy, with four toes on their