Brown Pelican song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the Brown Pelican, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

Brown Pelicans are largely silent birds. They do not have a complex song.

Calls

Adults are mostly silent. Nestlings and juveniles produce a variety of grunts, squawks, and hisses, especially when begging for food or interacting with siblings. Adults may emit low grunts or croaks during courtship or when disturbed at the nest.

When they vocalize

Primarily vocal during the breeding season, especially by young birds and during nest interactions. Adults are generally silent outside of the colony.

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