The Brown Pelican problem
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ecology & environment
presentation
published 14/07/2008
review : Completed
level : General public
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The Brown Pelican is part of the family Pelecanidae. The Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis ) is the smallest (42"-54") member of the seven species of the pelican family. (Wikipedia) It is still a relatively large bird, with a long, narrow beak. This specific species of pelican has a brown body and webbed feet. The brown pelican has a wingspan when fully grown of about seven feet and extend four feet in width (Field Guide to California). Brown pelicans consume 3 to 4 pounds of small fish or crustaceans per day and can hold up to three gallons of water in its gular pouch, which is three times its stomach capacity. Besides the birds dark coloration, the method of fishing by diving as opposed to cooperative fishing separates the brown pelican from the seven other species of pelicans.
