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Pelecanus occidentalis
The brown pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis, is characterized by an extremely large gray bill, pale yellow eyes, black legs and feet, and an unfeathered black throat pouch (e.g. Terres 1980; Farrand 1983). Plumage coloration varies with age and season, and descriptions are divided accordingly below. Both sexes exhibit identical coloration at each phase. Juvenile/Immature Plumage is mostly brown above, blending to a white breast and underparts (Farrand 1983; Harrison 1996). Adult plumage is acquired by the third year.
Populations are found around beaches, bays and a variety of habitats in tidal estuaries (Farrand 1983). Brown pelicans are rarely seen inland except accidentally as the result of hurricanes and other strong storms (Terres 1980).
This pelican was flying around The Pier in St. Petersburg, Florida by the Tampa Bay.
21 Comments
Thank you very much, Saarbrigger.
Great pictures.
Thanks for the nice comments!
awesome as usual!
สบาย ๆ ^_^
amazing series!!
see your photos are going viral! Famous Laurie Winters, bird photographer. Are u? HA!
Thank you all for such positive feedback!
Great photos and series!
LOVE the colors in this series. Great job!
Really lovely spotting!
Only a few photos make me want to weep. (A good thing) HA! This series ... well, so great. It was a pleasure viewing them.
Thank you, Geeta!
Really nice 11111
Thank you, Atul.
great series Laurie
really nice pics
Thanks, Sean.
Beautiful picture Laurie
Welcome :)
Thank you, Satyen.
Wow, nice bird and info.