Pelecanus thagus Molina, 1782

Common Name and Plumage

Pelecanus thagus Molina, 1782, commonly known as the Peruvian pelican, has dark plumage, with a distinct white stripe that runs from the tip of its bill up to the crown of its head and down along the sides of its neck. It has long tufted feathers on the top of its head.

Previous Taxonomic Classification

This species was previously classified as a subspecies of the brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis).

Size Measurements

The Peruvian pelican is significantly larger than the brown pelican: it weighs between approximately 5 and 7 kg (11–15 lb), measures 137 to 152 cm (4.5–5.0 ft) in total length, and has an average wingspan of around 228 cm (7.5 ft).

Morphological Differences From Brown Pelican

Beyond size, it also differs from the brown pelican by having proportionally longer crest feathers, along with distinct color differences in the gular pouch, beak, scapulars, and greater wing coverts.