The Brown Pelican occurs along the southern and western coasts of North America. It feeds mainly on fish, which it catches by diving from the air into the water. After a dive, water drains from the throat pouch before the fish is swallowed. Brown Pelicans often fly in lines low above the sea and rest on beaches, rocks and harbour structures. They are one of only two pelican species that regularly plunge-dive for food. Populations declined severely during the DDT era but recovered after pesticide regulations and legal protection.
Locations where this species is supported by a dated first record, an unambiguous single-place outing or a reviewed assignment.
