Pelecanus occidentalis

Plunging In Head First
Brown pelicans are the only species of pelican that hunt their food by plunge diving.  They soar high above the water and spot their prey from above.  Once they have located a suitable fish, they fold in their wings and plunge head-first into the water to catch the fish in their beak.

Conservation Status:

Although they are globally abundant, Brown Pelicans have at times been considered endangered in certain coastal areas of the United States.  They are susceptible to problems from pesticide poisonings, and being tangled up in fishing gear from commercial and recreational fishing.  More recently, populations have been threatened by the Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Did you know?
The large pouch on the underside of their beak can hold up to three gallons of water.  They will drain off the water through the pouch, then swallow their fish whole.