South Carolina State Seabird: The Eastern Brown Pelican

Per Article 9, Chapter 1, Title 1 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding: Section 1-1-612. The Eastern Brown Pelican is the official seabird of the State.

• Whereas, the first known eastern brown pelican was described in 1789 and at the Charleston Harbor; and

• Whereas, the brown pelican is one of the largest birds found on the east coast and is known for its long bill and underlying throat pouch; and

•  Whereas, eastern brown pelicans are the only pelicans in the world that are not entirely white. The front of a Brown Pelican's head is white, but its feathers fade to dark brown. During breeding season, the bird swaps white for a vibrant yellowish gold and exchanges dark brown for a silver-grey; and

•  Whereas, in 1970, the eastern brown pelican was listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act, when populations plummeted to less than one hundred; and

•  Whereas, unlike most birds that warm their eggs with the skin of their breasts, pelicans incubate their eggs with the skin of their feet, standing on them and holding the eggs under the webbing of their feet. Widespread use of a pesticide known as DDT caused the chemical to leak into the food chain and caused the eastern brown pelican's eggs to have thinner shells, which caused them to break during incubation, leading to the populations decline; and

•  Whereas, the United States' ban of DDT in 1972 and the Brown Pelican Recovery Plan of 1979 helped the brown pelican population recover, and the brown pelican is no longer considered endangered; and

•  Whereas, designating the brown pelican as the state seabird of South Carolina will highlight the importance of preserving and enhancing the habitat of this species and other seabirds along our coastline and serve as a symbol of our commitment to environmental stewardship and wildlife conservation; and

•  Whereas, eastern brown pelicans and other similar South Carolina coastal birds add to the unique and beautiful character of South Carolina, increasing quality of life.  Now, therefore,

 Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.  Article 9, Chapter 1, Title 1 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 Section 1-1-612. The Eastern Brown Pelican is the official seabird of the State.

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Brown pelicans are fascinating birds. Here are some facts about them, particularly regarding their presence off the coast of South Carolina:

1. Habitat: Brown pelicans are commonly found in coastal areas, including saltwater bays, marshes, estuaries, and beaches. They prefer nesting on remote, undisturbed islands and barrier beaches, which offer protection from predators and human disturbances.

2. Breeding Season: In South Carolina, brown pelicans typically breed from late spring to early summer. They form large breeding colonies known as rookeries or colonies. These colonies can consist of hundreds to thousands of nesting pairs.

3. Nesting Sites: Along the South Carolina coast, brown pelicans nest on islands such as Bull Island, Crab Bank, Bird Key, Deveaux Bank and Tompkins. These islands provide suitable nesting habitat with ample food resources nearby.

4. Nesting Behavior: Brown pelicans build their nests on the ground, often using sticks, grasses, and other debris. They lay their eggs in shallow depressions lined with these materials. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks.

5. Feeding Habits: Brown pelicans are known for their spectacular diving behavior. They plunge headfirst into the water from heights of up to 60 feet (18 meters) to catch fish. Their large, expandable throat pouches help them scoop up fish and drain out water before swallowing their prey.

6. Conservation Status: Brown pelicans were once endangered due to the widespread use of pesticides, which led to thinning eggshells and reproductive failure. However, conservation efforts, including the banning of harmful pesticides like DDT and habitat protection measures, have helped populations recover. Today, they are considered a conservation success story, with stable or increasing populations in many areas. However, Brown pelicans face new challenges from rising seas and coastal development. This May (2024) I visited Deveaux Bank where thousands of Brown pelicans came to nest. Due to coastal storms and erosion the island has shrunk in size from about 200 to 15-20 acres.

7. Importance: Brown pelicans play a vital role in their coastal ecosystems as top predators. By controlling fish populations, they help maintain the balance of marine ecosystems. Additionally, they are important indicators of ecosystem health, as their presence or absence can reflect changes in habitat quality and prey availability.

Designating the brown pelican as the state seabird of South Carolina recognizes the significance of these majestic birds to the state's coastal environment and cultural heritage.