History of Pelican in Timeline

Pelicans are a genus of large water birds in the family Pelecanidae. They are known for their long beaks and distinctive throat pouches, which they use to catch prey and drain water before swallowing. Most pelicans have pale plumage, with the exception of the brown and Peruvian pelicans. Before the breeding season, their bills, pouches, and facial skin display bright colors.

1910: Original Pelican Limerick by Dixon Lanier Merritt

In 1910, Dixon Lanier Merritt composed the original version of a popular limerick about the pelican.

1939: Anatomical Dissections of Brown Pelicans

In 1939, anatomical dissections of two brown pelicans revealed a network of air sacs under their skin and in their bones, contributing to buoyancy and potentially cushioning impact during dives, also aiding in heat insulation and aerodynamics.

1970: Brown Pelican Listed as Endangered in the US

In 1970, the brown pelican was listed as an endangered species in the United States due to plummeting numbers.

1972: US Ban on DDT Use

In 1972, an effective ban on DDT was implemented in the US which resulted in the thickening of eggshells of breeding brown pelicans and their populations largely recovered.

1972: Restrictions on DDT Use in the US

In 1972, restrictions on the use of DDT were implemented in the United States, which helped the brown pelican population recover.

May 1975: Pelican Deaths from Endrin Poisoning in Louisiana

In May 1975, over 300 pelicans died in Louisiana from poisoning by the pesticide endrin, after 500 pelicans were imported from Florida to re-establish the population in the late 1960s following major decline from DDT poisoning.

1990: Pelicans Perish from Botulism at Salton Sea

In 1990, approximately 14,000 pelicans, including 7,500 American white pelicans, died from botulism after consuming fish from the Salton Sea.

1991: Pelican Deaths from Domoic Acid Contamination in California

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

1996: Dalmatian Pelican on Albanian Coin

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

1998: Decline of the Peruvian Pelican during El Niño Event

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

2005: American White Pelican Population

In 2005, the American white pelican population was estimated at over 157,000 birds, increasing east of the continental divide but declining in the west.

2007: Estimated Number of Brown Pelicans Affected by Oil Spills in California

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

2008: Hackett et al. Cladogram

In 2008, a cladogram was published based on Hackett et al.'s research.

2009: Brown Pelican Delisted in the US

In 2009, the brown pelican was delisted as an endangered species in the United States, following its population recovery after restrictions on DDT use.

April 2010: Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Impact on Brown Pelicans

In April 2010, a year after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, a 2011 report estimated that a large number of brown pelicans had been harmed as a result of the spill; 932 brown pelicans had been collected after being affected by oiling.