The brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is a large seabird found along the Pacific coast of North America. In California, brown pelicans can be found year-round along the entire coastline, as well as around the Channel Islands. They are a protected species in California and have rebounded in numbers after being driven nearly to extinction in the 1960s due to impacts from the pesticide DDT. Today, California is home to around 15,000 breeding pairs of brown pelicans.
Brown Pelican Population Trends in California
Brown pelicans experienced a dramatic population decline in California and worldwide in the mid-20th century. The introduction of the insecticide DDT caused eggshell thinning and reproductive failure. In 1970, the brown pelican was declared an endangered species in California. At their lowest point, there were only around 200-400 breeding pairs in the state. After DDT was banned in the early 1970s, brown pelican numbers began to recover. They were delisted from endangered status in 2009 when their population reached around 6,500 breeding pairs. Since then, numbers have continued to grow. Recent statewide surveys estimate there are now between 12,000-15,000 breeding pairs in California.
Southern California
The largest breeding colonies of brown pelicans in California are located in southern parts of the state. On the Channel Islands, there are approximately 7,200 breeding pairs. The islands of West Anacapa and Santa Barbara host the largest colonies. Mainland colonies in southern California include the Salton Sea, Santa Barbara Harbor, Newport Beach, Marina del Rey, and sites in San Diego. Altogether there are an estimated 9,600 breeding pairs in southern California.
Central California
Central California hosts around 20 breeding colonies from Santa Cruz down to Morro Bay. Major nesting sites include Año Nuevo Island, Big Creek Ecological Reserve, and Castle Rock. In recent surveys, central California supported about 2,400 breeding pairs of brown pelicans.
Northern California
There are few sizable breeding colonies in northern California, likely due to colder water temperatures. Around 10 colonies exist from San Francisco Bay up to the Oregon border. Total numbers in northern California are estimated at 700-1,000 breeding pairs. The largest colony is located at Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay.
Year-Round Populations
California provides habitat for brown pelicans year-round. While the breeding population estimated above refers to paired adults nesting during March-August, additional juvenile, subadult and non-breeding adult birds utilize coastal and offshore waters year-round. The size of the non-breeding population changes throughout the year. In winter and early spring, brown pelicans that bred in Mexico migrate north to California. In summer and fall, birds that bred farther north in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia move down the coast to California. Considering all birds present, the statewide year-round population likely ranges between 45,000-90,000 pelicans.
Pelican Strongholds by Region
Region | Breeding Pairs | Year-round Population |
Southern California | 9,600 | 25,000-50,000 |
Central California | 2,400 | 6,000-12,000 |
Northern California | 700-1,000 | 2,000-5,000 |
California Total | 12,000-15,000 | 45,000-90,000 |
Monitoring Brown Pelican Populations
Regular surveys and population monitoring are critical to ensure this iconic coastal species continues to thrive in California. State and federal agencies partner with non-profit groups to monitor breeding colonies, count nests and chicks, and band birds for tracking. Monitoring allows wildlife managers to assess population trends and identify any new threats. Given their history of population crashes, proactive monitoring and conservation measures are essential to support healthy brown pelican populations.
Some key groups involved in brown pelican monitoring and research in California include:
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- National Park Service
- Audubon California
- Point Blue Conservation Science
- Los Angeles Audubon Society
- Oiled Wildlife Care Network
Threats and Conservation Challenges
While brown pelicans have made an impressive recovery in California, they still face a number of ongoing threats and conservation challenges:
Disturbance at Nesting Colonies
Breeding colonies are highly susceptible to disturbance from human activity. People approaching nests can cause adults to abandon eggs and young. Measures like restrictions on public access help minimize impacts during breeding season.
Habitat Loss
Coastal wetland loss reduces crucial nesting and roosting habitat. Similarly, human development impacts coastal foraging areas. Habitat protection and wetland restoration remain priorities.
Environmental Contaminants
Chemical pollution continues to pose a threat, even after DDT. Oil spills are a major hazard, as brown pelicans rely on clean waters to feed. Plastics and other marine debris can also affect seabirds.
Reduced Prey Availability
Lack of food from natural ecosystem changes or overfishing can impact pelicans. Sufficient ocean food resources are key to supporting thriving populations.
Climate Change
Sea level rise, ocean warming, and altered weather patterns may affect nesting habitat and food supplies. Adaptive conservation strategies will grow in importance.
Efforts to Conserve Brown Pelicans
Many government agencies, non-profits, and researchers collaborate to conserve California’s brown pelicans. Some key efforts include:
- Protecting and managing important breeding and roosting sites
- Ongoing population monitoring and banding studies
- Rescuing and rehabilitating sick/injured pelicans
- Enforcing laws that prohibit disturbance of nesting colonies
- Restoring degraded coastal wetland habitats
- Public education programs to foster stewardship
- Assessing impacts of climate change and pollution
With science-based management and public commitment, the future looks bright for brown pelicans to thrive in California for years to come. These iconic seabirds have an important place both culturally and ecologically along the California coastline. As apex predators and ecosystem indicators, healthy pelican populations indicate an overall healthy marine environment. The dramatic recovery of brown pelicans stands as a great conservation success story. Sustained monitoring and protection will be crucial to ensure their numbers remain resilient.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the brown pelican population in California has rebounded from just a few hundred breeding pairs in the 1970s to an estimated 12,000-15,000 breeding pairs today. Total year-round numbers may reach as high as 90,000 pelicans. The largest populations are centered in southern California, particularly in the Channel Islands. Central and northern California host smaller regional populations. While delisted from state and federal endangered species protections, brown pelicans still face threats like habitat loss, pollution, climate change and disturbance. Ongoing conservation efforts by government wildlife agencies and conservation groups aim to sustain healthy, viable populations of this iconic coastal seabird. With proactive management and public support, the remarkable comeback of the California brown pelican can be maintained.