Brown Pelican Landing (Pelicanus occidentalis) at La Jolla Cove, San Diego, California

Photo ID# RW2925

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Brown pelicans were nearly extinct by the 1970's due to DDT pesticide poisoning. They are sensitive to toxins in the fish they eat, but they have made a remarkable come back and are thriving in numerous places along the California Coast. They have been protected under The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

Brown pelicans (Pelicanus occidentalis) are the smallest of the eight pelican species but is still rather large compared to other shorebirds.