Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
The brown pelican is one of the larger birds seen on Saint Martin and is primarily seen fishing near shore, or resting on cliffs or boats. With its large bill, it has a unique fishing style of diving down with open bill and scooping up fish as well as a couple gallons of water. After diving, it expels the water before flying off. Although it is quite graceful in flight, it takes off with much difficulty due to its weight (which can be as much as eight pounds).
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