Brown Pelican

The Brown Pelican is a coastal bird best known for its oversized bill and dramatic plunge-diving. Often seen gliding just above the waves in tight formation, it skims the water with barely a wingbeat. Along California’s coastline, it’s a familiar sight near fishing piers, harbors, and surf breaks, sometimes drifting past surfers with slow, heavy wingbeats. To hunt, it soars briefly before folding its wings and dropping headfirst into the water to scoop up fish in its expandable pouch. Though once endangered due to pesticide use, the Brown Pelican has made a strong recovery and remains a bold, unmistakable presence along the shore.