Nettle Bay; An Impressive Encounter, The Brown Pelican

An Impressive Encounter; The Brown Pelican

This large stocky seabird with a long neck and giant bill is a year round resident of St. Martin.

The Brown Pelican (Pelicanus occidentalis) is a strictly marine species that is also found in mangrove swamps and on the lagoon where it appreciates the shallow waters abundant with small fish and crustaceans. The Brown Pelican hangs out on the lagoon’s salty shores and quiet beaches, and is often seen roosting on rocks, water, piers, jetties and mudflats.