OtterKnow Kids EncyclopediaThe brown pelican is a big seabird that lives near the ocean. It has a long beak with a stretchy pouch underneath. Brown pelicans are amazing divers that splash into the water to catch fish!
Brown pelicans have grayish-brown feathers and a long beak. Their throat pouch can stretch really wide to scoop up fish and water. They have big wings that help them glide over the waves. Baby brown pelicans are all brown, but adults get white and yellow on their heads.
Brown pelicans catch fish in a really cool way. They fly high above the water and look down for fish. When they spot one, they fold their wings and dive headfirst into the water with a big splash! Their pouch fills up with water and fish. Then they drain the water out and swallow the fish whole.
- Brown pelicans are the only pelicans that dive into the water to catch fish. All other pelicans scoop fish while swimming.
- A brown pelican’s pouch can hold about three gallons of water.
- Brown pelicans almost disappeared because of a harmful chemical called DDT, but people helped save them!
- They are the state bird of Louisiana.
