AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Pelecanus occidentalis
Brown Pelican
Linnaeus, 1766
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A large, heavy seabird, unmistakable due to its enormous bill with an expandable gular pouch. Its plumage is predominantly dark gray and brown, with a white or yellowish head and neck in adults during the breeding season.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Pelecaniformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Pelecanidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Pelecanus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Linnaeus, 1766
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Increasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Strictly coastal. Inhabits beaches, estuaries, mangroves, bays, and shallow marine waters; it rarely ventures into the open ocean or freshwater bodies.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
A highly gregarious species. They spend much of the day resting in groups on rocks, piers, or sandbars. They fly in linear or 'V' formations very close to the water’s surface to take advantage of air currents.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Extremely social; they nest in large dense colonies, hunt in groups, and roost together.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Specialized piscivore. Uses the plunge-diving technique to catch surface fish such as sardines, anchovies, and mullets.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
They are mid-level marine predators that control large populations of small to medium pelagic fish that school near the surface.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Monogamous during the breeding season. They nest in colonies, building stick nests in trees (such as mangroves) or shallow scrapes on the ground on isolated islands. Both parents incubate the eggs, taking turns to provide shade or heat.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
100.0 - 137.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
2.70 kg - 4.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 3
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
3 - 5 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
28 - 30
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males15 - 30 Years
Females15 - 30 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Visually identical to the female in plumage, but structurally slightly larger and heavier, with a subtly longer bill.
Females Multi-lang
Possesses the same colors and patterns as the adult male, distinguished only by a slightly smaller body size and bill length.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Plunge-diving: Adapted to dive from the air (up to 20 meters high) to catch fish, cushioning the impact with subcutaneous air sacs.
Expandable gular pouch: Uses its large pouch beneath the bill as a net to scoop up fish along with large volumes of water, which it then drains before swallowing.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Entanglement in fishing gear: They frequently suffer severe injuries or death from getting caught in abandoned fishing lines and hooks.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Plunge-dive specialist: Of the eight pelican species in the world, the brown pelican is one of only two species that feeds by plunge-diving from the air.