History of Pelican in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 2, 2026

Pelicans are large water birds belonging to the Pelecanidae family, distinguished by their long beaks and prominent throat pouches. They use these pouches to capture prey and drain water before consumption. Most species exhibit pale plumage, with the exception of the brown and Peruvian pelicans. Notably, their bills, pouches, and facial skin display vibrant coloration during the breeding season.

1910: Original limerick about the pelican composed by Dixon Lanier Merritt

In 1910, the pelican became the subject of a popular limerick originally composed by Dixon Lanier Merritt.

1970: Brown pelican listed as endangered in the US

In 1970, the brown pelican was listed as an endangered species in the US, largely due to the consequences of environmental DDT pollution.

1972: Ban on DDT use implemented in the US

In 1972, an effective ban on the use of DDT was implemented in the US, leading to the thickening of eggshells of breeding brown pelicans and the recovery of their populations.

1972: Restrictions on DDT use in the US

In 1972, restrictions on DDT use were implemented in the US, which led to the population recovery of the brown pelican.

May 1975: Pelicans poisoned by pesticide endrin

In May 1975, over 300 pelicans died from poisoning by the pesticide endrin after being imported from Florida to Louisiana.

1990: Pelicans perished from botulism after eating fish from the Salton Sea

In 1990, about 14,000 pelicans, including 7,500 American white pelicans, perished from botulism after eating fish from the Salton Sea.

1991: Pelican deaths from domoic acid contamination

In 1991, abnormal numbers of brown pelicans and Brandt's cormorants died at Santa Cruz, California, when their food fish (anchovies) were contaminated with neurotoxic domoic acid, produced by the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia.

1996: Dalmatian pelican depicted on Albanian coin

In 1996, a Dalmatian pelican was depicted on the reverse of the Albanian 1 lek coin.

1998: Decline of Peruvian pelican during the El Niño event

In 1998, the Peruvian pelican population declined dramatically during the El Niño event.

2005: Increase in American white pelican population

In 2005, the American white pelican population was estimated at over 157,000 birds, with an increase in numbers east of the continental divide and a decline in the west.

2007: Estimate of brown pelicans affected by oil spills in California

In 2007, a report estimated that some 500–1,000 brown pelicans had been affected by oil spills in California during the previous 20 years.

2009: Brown pelican delisted in the US

In 2009, the brown pelican was delisted as an endangered species in the US due to its population recovery following restrictions on DDT use.

April 2010: Deepwater Horizon oil spill affects brown pelicans

In April 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill harmed a large number of brown pelicans. A 2011 report estimated that ten times the 932 collected oiled brown pelicans had been affected.

2011: Report on the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on brown pelicans

In 2011, a report by the Center for Biological Diversity stated that 932 brown pelicans had been collected after being affected by oiling, and estimated that ten times that number had been harmed as a result of the April 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.