The Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is the smallest of the eight species of pelicans. A long-lived bird, the oldest known banded Brown Pelican was 43 years old. You can tell this is a young pelican by the color of his plumage. By the second year, his breast and belly turn brown. This image cuts off this bird’s breast which was white. In the full adult, non-breeding adult, a streak of white feathers adorns the top of his head and down the front of his neck. When breeding, the adult has a yellow cap on the top of his head.