<< Previous Next >>

Brown Pelican


Brown Pelican
Photo Information
Copyright: Binh Nguyen (Howler-Cat) Silver Note Writer [C: 4 W: 0 N: 48] (224)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-11-14
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon EOS 30 D, Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8 L USM
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-04-22 20:32
Viewed: 475
Points: 14
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is the smallest of the eight species of pelican, although it is a large bird in nearly every other regard. It is 106-137 cm (42-54 in) in length, weighs from 2.75 to 5.5 kg (6-12 lb) and has a wingspan from 1.83 to 2.5 m (6 to 8.2 ft).

It lives strictly on coasts from Washington and Virginia south to northern Chile and the mouth of the Amazon River. Some immature birds may stray to inland freshwater lakes. After nesting, North American birds move in flocks further north along the coasts, returning to warmer waters for winter.

This bird is distinguished from the American White Pelican by its brown body and its habit of diving for fish from the air, as opposed to co-operative fishing from the surface. It eats mainly herring-like fish. Groups of Brown Pelicans often travel in single file, flying low over the water's surface.

The nest location varies from a simple scrape on the ground on an island to a bulky stick nest in a low tree. These birds nest in colonies, usually on islands.

Pesticides like DDT and dieldrin threatened its future in the southeast United States and California in the early 1970s. Pesticides also threatened the pelican population in Florida in this period. A research group from the University of Tampa headed by Dr. Ralph Schreiber conducted research in the Tampa Bay/St Petersburg area and found that DDT caused the pelican eggshells to be overly-thin and incapable of supporting the embryo to maturity. As a result of this research, DDT usage was eliminated in Florida and the rest of the country. Along with the American White Pelican, the Brown Pelican is protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. There are four subspecies:

P. o. californicus (California Brown Pelican)
P. o. carolinensis (Eastern Brown Pelican)
P. o. occidentalis (Caribbean Brown Pelican)
P. o. urinator (Galápagos Brown Pelican)

The Peruvian Pelican, Pelecanus thagus, used to be considered a subspecies of the Brown Pelican (P. o. thagus). However, due to its well-defined allopatry and because it is much larger and heavier than its relatives, it was reclassified as a separate species.

The Brown Pelican is the state bird of Louisiana.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
JPlumb, Royaldevon, thor68, Amadeo, PaulGana has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekNature members may write critiques.
Discussions
None
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

Wonderful reflection and line in this picture of one of our favorite birds.

Nice shot great capture.

  • Great 
  • JPlumb Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 643 W: 160 N: 894] (2837)
  • [2008-04-22 23:38]

There's very high contrast seen on this shot of yours Binh, but I like it. It almost seems like a painting. The shot is simple with this sharp shot of the pelican, surrounded by water, but you have good texture seen in the splash of water. You've composed it well with the long portrait format, cropping just right on the bottom to contain the reflection.

Thanks, John

Hello Binh,

A very good action shot of this pelican.
Its wings are in a perfect position to give it grace and elegance and to make your composition that much better!
The relection adds balance and depth. The slight wake from its legs adds movement.
Lovely details and colours.

Kind regards,
Bev :-)

terrific shot with an excellent frozen pose and great details. the reflections of the majestic bird
on the rippled water are really wonderful. well done & best wishes, thor.

Hola Binh, muy bonita composición, buen color y luz. Un saludo

great timing and nice composition, the focus looks a little soft on my monitor

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF