Blog: Magnificence in the Sky – A Closer Look at the Brown Pelican

Here in Malibu, we are very fortunate to have an abundance of these magnificent giants of the sky. We have the unique opportunity to fully experience their impressive allure on a daily basis.  They can be found on virtually any beach in Malibu, perched on rocky outcroppings, resting in the estuaries, floating on the ocean swells or soaring across the sky.  

The pelican is indeed a feast for the eyes - a somewhat prehistoric-looking creature, a perfect blend of grace and comicality.  They weigh in at about 8-10 pounds, measure at a little over 4 feet and have an extraordinary 6-7 foot wingspan. They have a huge bill with pouch that can hold up to 3 gallons of fish and water. 

Although a bit awkward on land, the pelican’s airborne talent is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Witnessing a pelican perform a headfirst dive into the ocean from as much as 100 feet in the air can be a jaw-dropping experience. 

A grouping of pelicans is rightly called a squadron. If you’ve spent any time observing pelicans, you’ve likely noticed their battalion-like appearance when flying and hunting in formation. Their telltale V-formation is a common sight in Malibu skies as they travel to and from fishing grounds. They invoke envy in local surfers as they effortlessly skim the water’s surface with wing beats in rhythmic unison, rising and falling in perfect reverberation of the waves.

Right now is breeding season, so their numbers may seem a bit lower than usual. That’s only because they’re currently “taking care of business” out on the Channel Islands. Interestingly enough, the only brown pelican breeding colonies in the western United States are on West Anacapa and Santa Barbara islands.

Brown pelicans are resilient beings - true living symbols of how successful wildlife conservation can be.  They were teetering on the brink of extinction in North America from the late 1950’s to early 1970’s due pesticide pollution. Since the ban of DDT and reduction of endrin use, pelican numbers have continued to rise. They were officially removed from the “endangered” list in 2009.  

Quick + Fun Pelican Facts:

• Brown pelicans can spot a single fish from 70-100 feet in the air
• Brown pelicans can live up to 40 years old
• Young pelicans barely able to fly can swim up to 3 mph
• Air sacs beneath pelican’s skin cushion the impact of their plunge dives + help them resurface.
• The impact of a pelican’s plunge can “stun” fish 6 feet below the water’s surface
• And yes, pelican’s have blue eyes.

Please enjoy the pictures I’ve included of these truly magnificent birds – all captured in an around Malibu. Look closely for those captivating blue eyes.

For more of Janette’s photography and stories highlighting Malibu's extraordinary landscapes, wildlife and more, visit volantphotographyart.com