07/30/2026
Meet one of the true icons of the Alabama Gulf Coast... the Brown Pelican! 🦩🌊
If you've spent any time around Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, or Fort Morgan, you've probably watched these incredible birds soaring just inches above the water before making a dramatic dive for dinner.
Here are a few fun facts about our feathered neighbors:
🪶 They can have a wingspan of over 7 feet while weighing only around 8 pounds.
🐟 They're expert fishermen. Brown Pelicans are the only pelicans that plunge-dive from the air, sometimes from heights of 60 feet, using gravity to scoop up fish in their expandable pouch.
🦕 They're living history. Fossil evidence shows pelicans have been around for nearly 30 million years, making them one of the oldest bird families still flying today.
🌎 A true conservation success story. During the 1960s and '70s, Brown Pelicans nearly disappeared because of the pesticide DDT, which caused their eggshells to become too thin to survive. Thanks to conservation efforts and the DDT ban, they've made an incredible comeback and are once again a common sight along Alabama's Gulf Coast.
📍 Here in South Alabama, Brown Pelicans are one of the signature birds of our coastal waterways. Whether they're perched on docks, gliding over Perdido Pass, or diving into the Gulf, they remind us just how special our coastline really is.
Next time you see one, take a moment to appreciate this prehistoric-looking master of the Gulf. They've been perfecting their fishing skills for millions of years!
📸 Have you ever captured a great pelican photo along the Alabama Gulf Coast? Share it in the comments—we'd love to see it!
