The Brown Pelican: National Symbol of St. Maarten
The Brown Pelican is a national symbol of St. Maarten. You can find it both in the national emblem on the and on the flag used on both the and sides of the island. It is also an easily recognizable bird in the island’s designated
About the Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Here are some fun facts to help you get to know St. Maarten’s national bird and one of the island’s most iconic species:
- Brown pelicans are the only pelican species that lives mainly along ocean coasts.
- They are found throughout the Americas, from the Pacific and Atlantic coasts to the Caribbean.
- They are famous for their spectacular dives. They plunge from the air into the water to catch fish, sometimes from heights of 60 feet (18 meters) or more.
- Their giant bill pouch is called a gular pouch. It can hold several liters of water and fish, but the pelican drains the water before swallowing its meal.
- They do not use their pouch like a storage bag. The pouch is mainly a fishing net, not a place to carry food around.
- Brown pelicans eat mostly fish, including anchovies, sardines, and mullet.
- They are excellent ocean travelers and can glide for long distances by using air currents above the waves.
- They often fly in a V-formation or a single line close to the water, taking advantage of air movement to save energy.
- Baby brown pelicans are born unable to fly and depend on their parents for food and protection.
- Pelican parents take turns caring for their chicks — one may guard the nest while the other searches for food.
- They often nest on islands or remote coastal areas where predators are less likely to reach them.
- Their bones are lightweight and partly hollow, helping them remain efficient flyers.
- Brown pelicans were once endangered in parts of North America because pesticides such as DDT weakened their eggshells. Conservation efforts helped their populations recover.
- They can live a very long time. Some brown pelicans have been recorded living for more than 40 years.
- They have excellent eyesight and can spot fish from high above the ocean.
- Besides being featured in St. Maarten’s national emblem, the brown pelican is also the state bird of Louisiana in the United States.
- The 1993 movie The Pelican Brief, starring Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington and based on the 1992 novel by John Grisham, features the species in its title and story.
- King Willem-Alexander visited the pelican colony at Fort Amsterdam on 6 February 2023 during his Caribbean tour with Queen Máxima and Princess Catharina-Amalia.
- The famous St. Maarten tourism area “Pelican” near Simpson Bay is named after this iconic bird.
Where to Find Brown Pelicans on St. Maarten / St. Martin
Brown pelicans can be seen in many coastal areas around the island. For one of the best places to observe them, visit Fort Amsterdam, where you are almost guaranteed to see these magnificent birds in action as they dive and scoop fish near Great Bay beach and Little Bay beach.
A brown pelican can be recognized by its brown body, large bill, and yellowish or white head.
Find brown pelicans and other wildlife on St. Maarten / St. Martin through our Nature on St Maarten / St Martin pages and on our Interactive Map !
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