California Brown Pelican

Pelecanus Occidentalis Californicus

Status: Endangered

The sky is the place you’re most likely to find California Brown Pelicans on a trip to the reserve. Their silhouettes are distinctive in the distance as they glide along in V-formation, riding the air coming off ocean waves. Their large bills and expanding pouches can scoop up enormous mouthfuls, as many as 21 pints (10 liters) of water and fish. The California Brown Pelican is an endangered subspecies of the more common Brown Pelican.

Fun Fact:
Pelicans do yoga-like exercises to keep the skin of their pouches flexible.

What’s for Lunch:
Fish

Where’s Home:
Levees, piers, and islands off the coast