A large and impressive bird native to the coastal regions of western South America, particularly along the Pacific coast from Chile to Peru. This bird is closely related to the more widely known Brown Pelican but is noticeably larger.

Visually, the Peruvian pelican is a spectacle to behold, especially during the breeding season. It boasts a predominantly dark greyish-black plumage with a white streak running down the sides of its neck, adding to its distinguished appearance. One of the most striking features of this pelican is its long, pouched bill, which can be up to a foot in length. The bill is bicolored, with a vibrant pink on the lower mandible and a contrasting blue on the upper, creating a vivid contrast that is particularly noticeable during the breeding season. The skin around its eyes intensifies in color, adding to its dramatic breeding display, a sight that never fails to captivate onlookers.

The Peruvian pelican’s diet consists primarily of fish, and it employs an impressive method of catching its prey. It dives from the air into the water, using the force of the impact to stun fish around it before scooping them up in its large bill pouch. This feeding method is effective and spectacular to watch, making the Peruvian pelican a favorite subject for wildlife photographers and birdwatchers.

Socially, they are gregarious birds, often found in large flocks, particularly during feeding when they work together to herd fish. This cooperative behavior maximizes their efficiency and success rate in catching prey. They are also known to mix with other seabird species, leading to dynamic interactions along the coasts where they live.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Chile

2018

Ecuador

2018

Vagrant

Peru

2018