Pelecanus occidentalis

Unmistakable with its stretchy gular pouch, Pelecanus occidentalis sports one of the most familiar avian physiques around. One of two Pelicans found in North America, the Brown Pelican soars through the sky, glides inches above the ocean's surface in single file lines, and dives spectacularly for fish from heights of up to 65 feet in the air. As any cartoon will impart, the pelican's main source of food is fish, and the food-collection mechanism is the pouch.

Not to be taken for granted, Pelecanus occidentalis nearly experienced DDT-linked extinction in the 70's, but fortunately it has recovered nicely.

A common sight along the California coast, I have not been surprised to find the Brown Pelican along Texas and Florida as well. This one was coasting along the beach this morning at sunrise--a serene sight, to say the least. Often it's difficult to take a Pelican's immense size for granted....unless, of course, it is dwarfed by one of the monstrosities (ahem, resorts) that blanket Daytona Beach.