The Peruvian pelican is a member of the pelican family. It lives on the west coast of South America, breeding in loose colonies from about 33.5 degrees south in central Chile to Piura in northern Peru, and occurring as a visitor in southern Chile and Ecuador. It used to be considered a subspecies of the brown pelican.
Region
Humboldt Current, Pacific coast of Peru and Chile
Typical Environment
Found along the arid Pacific coasts of Peru and Chile, with visitors reaching Ecuador, it frequents nearshore upwelling zones, bays, harbors, and rocky islands. It breeds on offshore islets and coastal cliffs where predators are limited. Foraging typically occurs in shallow coastal waters and along the surf line, especially where anchovy schools concentrate. It also gathers around fish docks and processing plants to scavenge discarded fish.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 100 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This large pelican is largely confined to the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Humboldt Current along Peru and Chile. It relies heavily on schools of Peruvian anchoveta and often forages alongside sea lions and other seabirds. Breeding occurs in dense colonies on offshore guano islands and rocky headlands. Once treated as a subspecies of the Brown Pelican, it is now recognized as a distinct species and is notably larger and darker.
Temperament
social and colonial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with deep wingbeats, often glides low over waves
Social Behavior
Forms large, loose flocks when feeding and roosting, and breeds in dense colonies on offshore islands or remote headlands. Pairs are seasonally monogamous, nesting on the ground or low ledges. Adults feed chicks by regurgitation, and young gather in crèches after hatching.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet at sea, but at colonies produces guttural grunts, hisses, and croaks. Chicks emit higher-pitched squeals to solicit food.
Plumage
Mostly dark brown to slate-gray with fine whitish streaking on the upperparts and a contrasting white stripe running from the crown down the sides of the neck. The head and neck show pale to yellowish tones with a darker hindneck; during breeding, facial skin turns bluish and the gular pouch can flush reddish. The plumage appears bulkier and darker than the Brown Pelican, with a heavy, deep-chested look.
Diet
Primarily consumes schooling fish, especially Peruvian anchoveta, but also takes sardines, mackerel, and other small pelagic fishes. It feeds mainly by low-height plunge-diving and surface-dipping, often coordinating with other seabirds and marine mammals around bait balls. Opportunistic scavenging occurs at fisheries and docks.
Preferred Environment
Nearshore upwelling zones, surf lines, and the mouths of bays and ports where fish concentrate. Regular around guano islands, jetties, and breakwaters used for roosting and launching foraging flights.
