Brown Pelican

Impressive wingspan and graceful movements

What you need to know about the Brown Pelican

The Brown Pelican is the smallest of all pelican species. This bird is found across the Galápagos Islands and may even be observed as far away as the American shore. The Brown Pelican may be observed gliding beautifully above the water’s surface and diving into the sea for food before returning to their mangrove lagoon nests. The Brown Pelican’s plunge-diving style allows them to collect a beak full of fish and water. Later on, they filter their water and feed on the remaining tiny fish and crustaceans. Brown Pelicans employ an aerodynamic principle known as “ground effect” which has been observed to be flying fairly close to the edge of the water. This is due to the trapped air between their wings and the water, which often improves gliding efficiency and hence saves energy.

Interesting facts

Female and Male Brown Pelicans share their parenting. Both take care of little pelicans.

Brown Pelicans are found across the Galápagos Islands and may even be observed as far away as in the American shore.

Brown Pelicans breed only in small colonies and they do this all year around.

Pictures
Where can it be seen?
Albermarle Point Isabela Galapagos Islands

Albemarle Point

Visitors can ride a panga to get near to the animal action despite the fact that landing is not...

Baltra Airport Galapagos Islands

Arrival at Baltra Airport

Considered a place to spend the day due to the interesting and large amount of history you can find in the area...

A walk on Bartholomew Galapagos Islands

A walk on Bartholomew

Its unreal landscapes and panoramic views are the most photographed spots in the Island. Just off the coast...

Santa Fe Galapagos Islands

A walk on Santa Fe

It is home to more endemic species than any other Galapagos island. It is a small and relatively...

South Plaza Galapagos Island

A walk on South Plaza

Great place for hiking and snorkeling. A little after the landing, visitors may encounter a Sea Lion colony laying...

Bachas Beach Galapagos Islands

Bachas Beach

Today, visitors may see the rusted sides of the barge jutting out from beneath the sand. Las Bachas is a beautiful...

Whale Bay Galapagos Islands

Whale Bay

A green sand beach used by whalers as a dock and camp to transport huge tortoises for subsequent...

Black Turtle Cove Galapagos Islands

Black Turtle Cove

Tranquil cove surrounded by mangroves on Santa Cruz's north coast. Around Black Turtle Cove, there...

Buccaneer Cove Galapagos Islands

Buccaneer Cove

This cove was formerly a haven for pirates, where they could escape punishment and resupply their...

Cape Douglas Fernandina Galapagos Islands

Cape Douglas

Perfect spot for scuba diving! Cape Douglas has very moderate currents which is adequate for ...

Cape Marshall Isabela Galapagos Islands

Cape Marshall

This wall dive is a perfect option for people who have experience scuba diving since its currents are heavy...

Carrion Point Galapagos Islands

Carrion Point

Eastern coast outwards into the water, providing a secluded bay that is ideal for snorkeling. There is no need...

Champion Islet Galapagos Islands

Champion Islet

This little Islet is perfect for yacht cruises and for snorkeling. It is known for their fantastic...

Chinese Hat Galapagos Islands

Chinese Hat

Here, there is a path following the shore into an unsettling scene of jet black lava. These hardy...

Concha Perla Isabela Galapagos Islands

Concha de Perla

A bay full of crystalline and tempered waters. There is also a yellow sanded little beach. Visitors can...

Cormorant Point Galapagos Islands

Cormorant Point

The abundance of olivine crystals is what gives the green sand beach its distinctive tint. While the thin...

Devil's Crown Galapagos Island

Devil's Crown

Perfect place to practice snorkeling. The interior is sandy and protected from the waves, nonetheles...

Egas Port Galapagos Islands

Egas Port

Three separate land paths are available to visitors visiting Puerto Egas. On this bay, there are 3 different paths...

Espejo Point Diving Galapagos Islands

Espejo Point

A diving and snorkeling destination. Typically, the water is clean, providing between 9 and 18 meters of...

Mangle Point Galapagos Islands

Mangle Point

A visit to this place takes you to a panga ride to where you will find a nice place to go snorkeling as well as...

Tagus Cove Galapagos Islands

Tagus Cove

La Tagus Cove was a well-known hideout for pirates and balladeers throughout the years, and its calm waters shielded...

Tijeretas Hill Galapagos Islands

Tijeretas Hill

Perfect place to visit if you want to be mesmerized by panoramic views. To get to the hill, visitors should take...

Sullivan Bay Galapagos Islands

Sullivan Bay

Sullivan Bay is quite different from other places in Galápagos. Here, black lava fields will be next to you. This is the closest...

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Galapagos Islands

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Administrative capital of Galapagos and also the oldest settlement. The streets of the little town...

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Galápagos Catamaran

8 - 15 Days

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$ 4,865

Tip Top 5
Galápagos Catamaran

8 - 15 Days

Before

$ 4,999

Now

$ 4,865

Tip Top 5
Galápagos Catamaran

8 - 15 Days

Before

$ 4,999

Now

$ 4,865

Tip Top 5
Galápagos Catamaran

8 - 15 Days

Before

$ 4,999

Now

$ 4,865

Tip Top 5
Galápagos Catamaran

8 - 15 Days

Before

$ 4,999

Now

$ 4,865

Tip Top 5
Galápagos Catamaran

8 - 15 Days

Before

$ 4,999

Now

$ 4,865