Brown Pelican /pelicano pardo (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Voice: Silent as adults, although young in nest make groaning noises.
Habitat: Open coast and bays.
Best Spots: Fairly easy to see year-round at Boca Chica and South Padre Island. At Boca Chica, Brown Pelicans can be seen from the mouth of the Rio Grande to the jetties. At South Padre, to be looked for in the Laguna Madre, especially near the jetties. Also seen at the World Birding Center's South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center (near the SPI Convention Center).
Similar Species: With its white plumage, orange-yellow bill, and black flight feathers, the American White Pelican is visually distinctive from the mostly brownish plumage of Brown Pelican. Although both species may be found side-by-side in the Laguna Madre, American White Pelican generally prefers inland freshwater lakes or brackish lagoons and feed by schooling fish in large groups. Conversely, Brown Pelicans are solitary hunters, making spectacular plunge-dives in the deeper waters of the open coast.
A speaker symbol next to the bird indicates that it has a sound file available.All Bird call recordings © John C. Arvin.
Call (956) 584-2731 to hear or submit an alert.
- Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley (Mission)
- Edinburg Scenic Wetlands
- Estero Llano Grande (Weslaco)
- Harlingen Arroyo Colorado
- Old Hidalgo Pumphouse
- Quinta Mazatlan (McAllen)
- Resaca de la Palma (Brownsville)
- Roma Bluffs
- South Padre Island Birding
and Nature Center
Welcome to a birder’s eye view of the seasons in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Enjoy our annual cycle! The resulting avifauna in deep South Texas is the most diverse north of the Mexican border. The four county area that makes up the lower Rio Grande Valley has recorded over 500 species of birds. This is more species of birds than have been recorded in all but two or three entire states. Small wonder that birders from across the continent make pilgrimages to the region. Happy Birding!
A "Bird Checklist" is a complete list of birds that have been seen or heard in a specific region like Texas or the Rio Grande Valley. Checklists can be used as a personal diary of your travels.
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