Brown Pelican

Description:

Brown Pelicans are huge, stocky seabirds. They have thin necks and very long bills with a stretchy throat pouch used for capturing fish. Their wings are very long and broad and are often noticeably bowed when the birds are gliding. Adult Brown Pelicans are gray-brown birds with yellow heads and white necks. In breeding plumage, the back and sides of the neck turn a rich, dark reddish-brown. Immatures are gray-brown above (including the head and neck) with pale whitish belly and breast.

Habitat:

Upper Texas Coast (UTC 082) BAY AREA PARK: This Harris County park is situated on Armand Bayou. It has a long board walk for excellent views of the upper part of the bayou. This Pelican glided in, started to land in the water, then changed its mind and continued on down the bayou. It is amazing to watch the flying skill of these stocky large birds.

Notes:

First official stop on Part 2 of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. It will cover the lower part of the Upper Texas Coastal Trail; Galveston, TX to Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge.