Birds Active during the day

Peruvian Pelican

Pelecanus thagus

iNaturalist eBird Wikipedia

A massive master of the Humboldt Current, the Peruvian Pelican is an iconic sight along the South American coast. Known for its spectacular plunge-diving and vibrant breeding colors, this giant bird is a favorite for coastal wildlife observers.

0 Sightings

0 Habitats

Quick Identification

straighten

Size

Length 115-152 cm (45-60 in); wingspan 2.28-2.48 m (7.5-8.1 ft); weight 5-7 kg (11-15 lbs)

palette

Colors

Dark grey-brown body with white mottling; breeding adults have a white crown and neck; bill is a mix of red, yellow, and blue-grey with a blue-grey pouch

visibility

Key Features

Massive wingspan approaching 8 feet
Distinctive blue-grey throat pouch with red tip
Darker plumage than most other pelican species
Prominent tuft of feathers on the back of the head during breeding

When You’ll See Them

schedule

Activity pattern Active during the day

brightness_5

Peak hours 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

calendar_month

Season Year-round; most vibrant during breeding season (September-March)

restaurant

Diet Primarily piscivorous, feeding almost exclusively on schooling fish like the Peruvian anchoveta. They forage through shallow plunge-diving or by dipping their pouches into the water while swimming.

park

Habitat Strictly coastal marine environments, including rocky cliffs, guano islands, sandy beaches, and man-made fishing piers.

public Geographic range

Where Does the Peruvian Pelican Live?

Native to the rich waters of the Humboldt Current, the Peruvian Pelican is found along the Pacific coast of South America. Its primary range extends from northern Peru near Piura down through central Chile to roughly 33 degrees south. While they are residents of this coastal strip, they are frequent visitors to southern Ecuador and the southern fjords of Chile, following the movement of fish stocks.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

3 Countries

1.2M km² Range

Near Threatened Conservation

PE Peru

Marginal

CL Chile

Marginal

EC Ecuador

Marginal

eco

iNaturalist / Verified observation data

View on iNaturalist open_in_new

Explore more Birds arrow_forward

Behavior

The Peruvian Pelican is a highly social bird, often found in large colonies or 'scoops' along the rocky coastlines of South America. Unlike many other pelicans that scoop fish while swimming, this species is a spectacular plunge-diver, though it typically dives from lower altitudes than its North American cousins. They are frequently seen soaring in long, graceful lines, using the 'ground effect' to glide effortlessly just inches above the ocean waves.

These birds are well-known for their interactions with the local fishing industry. They are a common sight at piers and harbors, where they wait patiently for scraps or discarded bycatch. While they are generally tolerant of human presence in these settings, they remain wary and protective of their nesting sites on offshore islands, which are often shared with other seabirds like boobies and cormorants.

photo_camera EverydayEarth exclusive

Camera Tips

To capture the Peruvian Pelican on camera, focus on high-activity coastal 'resting' spots. These include the flat surfaces of breakwaters, pier railings, or large coastal boulders where the birds go to dry their wings. Position your camera at a height of 3 to 4 feet, roughly level with the bird's chest if they are perched on a dock. Because of their massive size, ensure your camera is positioned at least 15 feet away to avoid 'clipping' their wings when they stretch or take flight.

Salt spray is your biggest challenge. Always use a weather-sealed camera housing and consider applying a water-repellent coating to the lens. Check your gear frequently, as salt can build up quickly and create a hazy 'dreamy' effect that ruins clarity. If you are setting up near a fishing pier, time your captures for when boats are returning to port, as this triggers intense social activity and pouch-expanding displays.

Use a fast shutter speed (at least 1/1000s) even for perched birds, as they frequently shake their heads or flap their wings with surprising speed. For video, a high frame rate is ideal for capturing the slow, rhythmic motion of their flight. During the austral summer, look for the brightest colors on the bill and head, which make for the most striking 'hero' shots of this species.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Peruvian Pelican.

Brown Pelican

Much smaller in size (nearly half the weight) and lacks the vibrant red and blue-grey bill colors of the Peruvian species.

American White Pelican

Almost entirely white plumage with black wingtips; forages by swimming rather than plunge-diving.

Browse all Birds arrow_forward

Frequently Asked Questions

Peruvian Pelicans are strictly diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. Their peak activity occurs in the early morning and late afternoon when they are most actively foraging for fish or returning to their roosting sites.

Since they are marine specialists, you can only attract Peruvian Pelicans if your 'backyard' is a coastal property with a pier or rocky shoreline. They are naturally attracted to areas with abundant fish or where fishing boats discard scraps. Never feed them processed food; they require fresh, whole fish.

Their diet is almost entirely composed of small schooling fish. The Peruvian anchoveta is their most important food source, but they will also eat sardines and other small marine fish found in the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Humboldt Current.

They are only common in suburban areas that are directly adjacent to the ocean. In coastal cities like Lima or Valparaíso, they are very common sights on beaches, docks, and even rooftops near the water, but they do not move inland.

The Peruvian Pelican is significantly larger, roughly double the weight of a Brown Pelican. It also has much darker plumage on its body and a more colorful, multi-toned bill compared to the more muted colors of the Brown Pelican.

Record Peruvian Pelican at your habitat

Connect a camera to start building your own species record — AI identifies every visitor automatically.

Join free Identify a photo