Pelicans in Canún

Recently Masha and I found ourselves exploring the "Touristy" parts of Cancun, Mexico. While this location is not on our dream locations list it did allow for some rest and relaxation after the busy holiday season.

But to be quite honest aside from the natural beauty that the shoreline offers we did feel as though we had come to Cancun possibly a good 20-30 years early. I feel like we would have appreciated more once the desire for day-long hikes and other strenuous outdoor activities subsides in the future. But regardless, we enjoyed good food and drink, great company, and all in all we had a great time in Cancun.

But our experience in Cancun is not what this post is about. As the title states, the Pelicans found there is the spotlighted subject.

Now in Mexico as a whole, there are over 1100 different and unique bird species that can be found, and nearly 10 percent of those bird species are endemic to Mexico. Among these bird species, there are 3 species of pelicans. The Pelican that I am going to speak about is going to be the Brown Pelican.

Out of all 3 of the pelicans that can be found in Mexico the Brown Pelican is certainly the most common of them. In fact, if you have ever been to the western coast of the US or the Southern Coast, or even the eastern coast of the US for that matter there is a pretty high likelihood that you have seen these fascinating creatures at some point.

The Blue highlighted area is where the Brown Pelicans can be found

The Brown Pelican, with its long wingspan, brown plumage, and elongated bill, is a common sight along the coastlines of Cancun. What makes these birds truly remarkable is their exceptional skill in hunting for food through plunge diving.

The hunting process begins with the Brown Pelican soaring gracefully above the water's surface, its keen eyes scanning for signs of fish below. Once a school of fish is spotted, the pelican swiftly folds its wings and transforms into a sleek projectile, descending rapidly toward the water. The moment is both graceful and dramatic, as the pelican makes a precise entry into the water, often creating a splash that adds to the spectacle.

As the Brown Pelican plunges into the depths, its specialized anatomy comes into play. The long bill, with a distinct hook at the tip, is a formidable tool for catching fish. The pelican's keen eyesight aids in accurately targeting its prey. However, the most remarkable adaptation lies in its expandable throat pouch. Upon contact with the water, the pelican opens its pouch wide, creating a net-like structure that helps scoop up fish. The pouch, once filled with water, is then drained, leaving the pelican with a beak full of captured fish.

This plunge-diving behavior is not only an efficient hunting strategy but also a spectacle that captivates observers in Cancun. Tourists and locals alike gather along the coastlines, marveling at the aerial displays of Brown Pelicans as they execute their precision dives.