California Brown Pelican

California Brown Pelican
High above the sea, a Brown Pelican roosts and preens following a night at sea, La Jolla, California.
brown pelican pelicans occidentals preening bird la jolla california
California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
I captured this image while this Pelican was preening his flight feathers; at the time, I did not realize that his eye was visible as if peeking through window blinds.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis preening la jolla california bird wildlife
From Brown Pelicans of La Jolla California - January 2016
California Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis)
A magnificent pair of adult Pelicans decorated in full breeding regalia preening in unison atop the cliffs at La Jolla, California. Once mating is accomplished, their bright vibrant beaks, skin and feather hues will dissipate.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis preening la jolla california bird wildlife
From Brown Pelicans of La Jolla California - January 2016
California Brown Pelican
A Brown Pelican cruising the pacific surf at La Jolla, California.
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California Brown Pelican
A California Brown Pelican (Pelicans occidentals) preening on the cliffs at La Jolla, California.
brown pelican pelicans occidentals preening bird la jolla california
California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
I wasn't sure if this Pelican was preening his crest (head) feathers or using his head to burnish and clean hard to reach feathers. Note the uropygial gland (oil gland) just above the tail.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis preening la jolla california bird wildlife
From Brown Pelicans of La Jolla California - January 2016
California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Each morning, the Pelicans return from feeding at sea and congregate along the cliffs of La Jolla. When not preening, they bask in the sun, rest, sleep, and just seem to enjoy life.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis preening la jolla california bird wildlife
From Brown Pelicans of La Jolla California - January 2016
Preening Pelican
A California Brown Pelican (Pelicans occidentals) preening on the cliffs at La Jolla, California. Note that the gular pouch (throat) skin is vibrant red during mating season; the colors in this image have not been enhanced.
brown pelican pelicans occidentals preening bird la jolla california
From BIRDS
California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
The gular pouch is puncture resistant and allows the Pelican to trap sharp spined prey while avoiding gular injury. Note that this pelican has a fish in it's pouch; the dorsal fin spines are visibly protruding.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis gular pouch la jolla california bird wildlife
From Brown Pelicans of La Jolla California - January 2016
California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
The gular pouch is massively expandable and it can hold up to 3 gallons of water (which is an astonishing 24 pounds of liquid). Note that the lower mandible is shaped like a hoop to support the pouch. The gular pouch functions like a great scoop or net allowing the bird to capture and hold it's prey.
brown pelican pelicans occidentals head throw gular pouch bird la jolla california
From Gular Pouch of the California Brown Pelican February 2018
California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
It is fascinating to observe Brown Pelicans constantly preening their feathers. These massive birds twist and turn their necks and bodies as they clean, fluff, and oil their feathers; they are very thorough and careful to groom every inch of their feathered exterior. Pelicans and most species of birds have a uropygial gland (oil gland); ostrich, emu, doves, and woodpeckers do not possess the gland.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis preening la jolla california bird wildlife
From Brown Pelicans of La Jolla California - January 2016
The Magnificent Countenance of a California Brown Pelican
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Brown_Pelican/id
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis la jolla california bird wildlife
From Brown Pelicans of La Jolla California - January 2016
California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Brown Pelican in flight, La Jolla, California.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis flight la jolla california bird wildlife
From Brown Pelicans of La Jolla California - January 2016
California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Dinosaur-like, a restful mature Pelican has the demeanor of a wise old man. This beautiful creature allowed me to photograph him at fairly close range; he was trusting and remained calm but I was respectful and quickly retreated after capturing a portrait image.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis la jolla california bird wildlife
From Brown Pelicans of La Jolla California - January 2016
Immature Brown Pelican
California Brown Pelican in flight, La Jolla, California.
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California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Peacefully roosting adult California Brown Pelican.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis la jolla california bird wildlife
From Brown Pelicans of La Jolla California - January 2016
California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
I observed many different preening behaviors but most often, the Pelicans would repeatedly slide their feathers between their beaks.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis preening la jolla california bird wildlife
From Brown Pelicans of La Jolla California - January 2016
California Brown Pelican "Headthrow"
brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis bird avian headthrow gular pouch california
From Headthrow Sequence Brown Pelicans of Southern California February 2018
California Brown Pelican
A California Brown Pelican (Pelicans occidentals) preening on the cliffs at La Jolla, California.
brown pelican pelicans occidentals preening bird la jolla california
California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Question: How do Pelicans keep their feathers healthy and waterproof?
Answer: By cleaning and distributing oil from their uropygial gland to their feathers in a behavior known as preening.

The uropygial gland is located on their dorsum (back) above the tail; pelicans contort their necks as they reach for the gland with their beaks; the oil is then transferred from the gland to the beak and subsequently distributed to all the feathers via a relentless ritual of rubbing, biting, and stroking their feathers. The oil maintains the health and water resistance of the feathers.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis preening la jolla california bird wildlife
From Brown Pelicans of La Jolla California - January 2016
California Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis)
A Pelican rubbing his beak on his uropygial gland in an effort to collect oil prior to preening. The Pelicans frequently pause from preening in order to replenish the oil on their bills; once the oil is refreshed, the feather conditioning endeavor continues.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis uropygial gland preening la jolla california bird wildlife
From Brown Pelicans of La Jolla California - January 2016
California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Appearing much like pterodactyls, Pelicans ride the waves as they navigate toward their roosting sites.
brown pelican pelecanus occidentalis flight la jolla california bird wildlife
From Brown Pelicans of La Jolla California - January 2016
California Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
A closer view depicts the capillaries in the gular pouch; the capillaries provide blood supply to the pouch and function to dissipate heat and cool the animal.
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From Gular Pouch of the California Brown Pelican February 2018