California Brown Pelican

brown pelican gliding over the ocean with wings outstretched
California Brown Pelican. ©Tim Hauf, timhaufphotography.com.

Quick Facts
Type: Bird

Diet: Carnivore: Fish, crustaceans

Average lifespan: 10–25 years (but can live up to 43 years)

Average size: Length: 42–54 in.; Wingspan: 6–8 ft.

Average weight: 6–12 lb.

Did You Know?
Brown pelicans dive into the ocean from as high as 65 feet to catch fish. In the process of catching their prey, their bills can fill up with as much as 2.6 gallons of water!

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California Brown Pelican

Last updated: November 9, 2018