General Description: Galapagos Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis urinator) are very large birds (wingspan over 6 feet) with an enormous bill and stretchy skin at the base of the bill that expands to form a pouch when feeding.

During courtship, the neck is white on the front and chestnut on the back, and the throat pouch is black. During the nesting season, the back of the neck becomes black. In non-breeding adults, the entire head and neck are white. Compare with American White Pelicans, Pacific Brown Pelicans, and Atlantic Brown Pelicans.

Taxonomy: Pelecaniformes, Pelecanidae

Favored Habitat: Coastal areas of the Galapagos Islands.

Where to Find: Don't look for Galapagos Brown Pelicans around Las Vegas. Rather, look for them on trips to the Galapagos Islands.

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