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may make each participating pelican more successful.
American white pelicans engage in an even more elaborate
form of cooperative feeding as they forage on lakes and
ponds for perch, chub, trout and carp. They line up in a
semicircle and move forward with their beaks in the water,
driving the fish in front of them, and gradually closing the
circle until they have trapped their prey in the center. On
other occasions, they may form a line and drive the fish
toward shore for easier capture.
Choice of food has played an interesting role in the
brown pelican’s conservation story. Early in the twentieth
century, when feathered hats went out of fashion and the
pelican was no longer hunted for that purpose, fishermen
began shooting them, attributing declining fish stocks to
pelican competition. In an effort to protect the birds, a
group of ornithologists conducted a study and were able
to demonstrate that brown pelicans primarily consumed
fish of low commercial value: largely menhaden, and
some anchovies, and sardines. While pelicans again had
a temporary reprieve, the increasing use of pesticides and
their deleterious impact on pelican eggs and reproduction
led to the placement of brown pelicans on the Endangered
Species list in 1970. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
de-listed the brown pelican in South Carolina in 1985
because populations had rebounded to a healthy level
following the removal of pesticide ingredients such as
DDT from the market. The future of pelican populations
is not only dependent on adequate food supplies and
a healthy environment, but also on controlled coastal
development. Brown pelicans nest in large groups on sand
bars and relatively flat coastal islands, scraping sand into
low mounds to form the actual nest. Given a nest that
provides so little protection, a remote nest site is crucial,
since otherwise eggs would be vulnerable to raccoons
and other predators. Kiawah currently appears to provide
the protected areas and food sources that brown pelicans
require as evidenced by their regular presence here. In fact,
the Island’s freshwater resources even attract American
white pelicans to avail themselves of what Kiawah has to
offer. Islanders can return the favor by appreciating the
complexity and daily activities of these intriguing birds. n
Photograph courtesy of Ann Crane
Partner with the Kiawah Conservancy and
protect Kiawah’s legacy for future generations.
Reach us at 843-768-2029; visit us online at
www.kiawahconservancy.org; “Like” the Kiawah
Conservancy on Facebook; and follow
@KiawahConserv on Twitter.
The Kiawah Conservancy offers a wealth of
information including maps, videos and brochures
to help you learn more about Kiawah’s natural
environment. Educational efforts are geared
toward community awareness with several events
and programs held throughout the year to provide
information and conservation opportunities to both
visitors and property owners. Visit the