Headthrow
A California Brown Pelican engaged in "head throw" behavior. Pelicans frequently toss their heads backwards, open their beaks, and expand their gular pouch. The maneuver is most likely a means to maintain the health and elasticity of pouch skin, La Jolla, California, February 2018. Canon 5D IV, 100-400mm IS Mark II, ISO 800, 1/640 second @ F/7.1, image size 4480 x 6082 pixels.
brown pelicanpelicans occidentalshead throwbirdla jollacalifornia