Brown Pelican
From Costa Rica Travel Guide: Vacation and Travel tips
Brown Pelican
Physical Description
A permanent resident of Costa Rica and the largest waterbird is the Brown Pelican. Males are heavier and have longer wings and bills than females, but the adult male Brown Pelican will reach between 41.3 to approximately 60 inches in length (110cm), weigh between 6 lbs. 10 ounces – 7 lbs 11 ounces (2-5 kg), and have a wingspan of 79.8 inches – 89.8 inches. The adult is dark grayish brown with whitish highlights on top of the back and the head and neck are white. Juveniles are more brownish in color. With long wings and necks, a large bill, and a huge gular pouch for catching fish, the Brown Pelican has a distinct profile, especially when flying in the famed ‘V’ formation.
Habitat/Range
Brown Pelicans can be found on the Pacific coast from Washington to Peru, and the Caribbean coast from Florida to Venezuela. On the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, Brown Pelicans are routinely seen in close proximity fo Cahuita, Limon and along the coast at Tortuguero. On the Pacific side of the country they can be viewed from just about any beach but particularly on the Golfo de Nicoya and the Guanacaste coast. Normally this bird will be found on coastal waters, around offshore islands, but on occasion in river mouths and estuaries as well.
Pelicans fly with grace and ease just above the waves, usually in line or V-formation, skimming and gliding synchronously over the water. Also impressive and elegant when diving for fish, a pelican will fly no more than thirty feet above the water, bank abruptly, and plunge downward. As it strikes the water, the wings fold backward to decrease water resistance as the bird uses its gular pouch to scoop fish that are near the surface. To decrease the impact, the Brown Pelican has air sacs in the chest to help absorb the impact of the water. Prey consists of a variety of small fish, but Brown Pelicans may also feed on scraps from fishing areas or follow fishing boats for waste.
Breeding
The Brown Pelican constructs its platform like nest out of twigs and sticks, usually a top a shrub or tree. The female typically lays 2 to 3 eggs and male and female pelicans share the parenting responsibilities. The chicks are loud and demanding; constantly placing their head into the mouth of the parent in order to eat regurgitated food. Juvenile Brown Pelicans take between 3 to 5 years to fully develop adult plumage. This pelican can live up to thirty-one years. There are at least four major breeding colonies of Brown Pelicans on islands along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, including the largest on Isla Guayabo.
Interesting Behaviors
Brown Pelicans, both parents and chicks, can become very hot while nesting in the sun. To avoid this while protecting the nest, a parent stands with its back to the sun and spreads its wings, shading the front of its body as well as its young. While observing nesting colonies, scientists have seen hundreds of pelicans perfectly aligned and moving synchronously according to the sun’s movement. When a parent’s mate returns to the nest, the responsibility is shifted and the hot adult makes its way to the water and quickly dives in.
