Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

Not actually a gull — the classic Gull-dex gotcha
Late spring–fallSeasonal

How to ID it

  • Unmistakable; glides inches over the surf in squadrons
  • Crowd favorite; a comeback story from DDT-era decline

Field marks at a glance

Size
huge

Where & when

Late spring–fall

Learn more

Sources

  • Facts — local research (plan.md), verified July 2026
  • Reference — ebird.org
  • Reference — audubon.org