Pelicans come in a variety of different colors, from the familiar white pelicans seen along coastlines to the more exotic brown and grey pelicans found inland. But why do pelicans have different colored plumage? The reasons have to do with their environments, breeding behaviors, and genetic variations within pelican species.
Camouflage in Different Environments
One of the main reasons pelicans have evolved different color plumage is for camouflage. The white pelicans commonly seen along coasts blend in with the white caps of ocean waves and help them sneak up on fish. Meanwhile, the grey and brown pelicans found inland help them blend into marshy areas and river habitats. Here are some of the different pelican species and plumage colors:
Pelican Species | Plumage Color | Habitat |
---|---|---|
American White Pelican | White with black wing tips | Coastal regions |
Brown Pelican | Grayish brown | Coastal regions |
Peruvian Pelican | Brownish gray | Coastal South America |
Great White Pelican | White with pale yellow on head | Inland Africa |
Pink-backed Pelican | Gray with pink plumage on back and wings | Inland Africa |
As you can see, coastal pelican species tend to have white plumage that blends in with ocean habitats, while inland pelicans are more gray or brown to match marshes and lakes. The different colors help camouflage pelicans and allow them to sneak up on fish more easily.
Breeding Displays
Another reason for pelicans’ colorful plumage is to attract mates. During breeding season, the bare skin on pelicans’ heads and necks changes dramatically in both males and females. Skin that is dull gray or brown the rest of the year will turn vibrant shades of orange, pink, or red. This is to attract the attention of potential mates.
For example, male brown pelicans develop a bright red pouch under their beak, as well as golden feathers on their heads. Female brown pelicans get a pale pink tinge to their feathers. The bright colors signal the pelicans are ready for breeding. The vivid skin and feather coloring fades away after breeding season ends.
Courtship Displays
To further attract mates, pelicans engage in elaborate courtship displays, showing off their breeding plumage. Different pelican species have unique displays:
- Brown pelicans may inflate their throat pouches and point their bills straight up.
- Peruvian pelicans inflate their chests and wave their heads from side to side.
- Great white pelicans clap their bills together while puffing their chests out.
These courtship rituals both show off the bright breeding colors and demonstrate the pelican’s fitness as a mate. The more vibrant the display, the more likely they are to find a high quality partner for breeding season.
Genetic Variations
There are also some individual variations in pelican plumage that come down to genetic differences between birds. For example, even within the same species, some individual pelicans may have darker or lighter feathers than others. Some brown pelicans may appear almost gray, while others are a rich chocolate brown.
Melanin Levels
Many plumage color variations can be attributed to differences in melanin pigment. Melanin occurs in two forms: eumelanin creates darker blacks and browns, while phaeomelanin produces lighter reddish-brown hues. Pelicans with higher levels of eumelanin in their feathers will appear darker than pelicans with more phaeomelanin.
Diet
Interestingly, diet can also affect melanin production. Pelicans that consume more fish high in certain fatty acids tend to produce more eumelanin and grow darker feathers. Access to different food resources may be one reason for individual plumage variations within a species.
Genetic Mutations
Rare or unusual plumage colors may also result from genetic mutations. Albino pelicans with white or very pale plumage occasionally occur due to a lack of melanin production. Other genetic conditions like leucism can prevent color from developing in some feathers.
These genetic variations produce the range of pelican colors we see within species populations. The differences help make each bird unique while also providing some camouflage advantages.
Summary of Key Points
- Pelicans need camouflage in different habitats, with coastal species having white plumage and inland species being gray/brown.
- Bright breeding plumage attracts mates, with vivid skin and feather colors.
- Courtship displays show off breeding plumage.
- Individual plumage variations come from melanin levels, diet, and genetic mutations.
In summary, pelicans require different color plumage depending on their habitat for camouflage when fishing. During mating season, vibrant breeding colors help attract mates. Within a species, individual pelicans can vary in color due to diet, melanin levels, and genetic factors. Together, these reasons explain why pelicans display such a wide range of interesting plumage colors.