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Brown Pelicans dying on the Oregon coast.

Do Not Feed The Pelicans-Pelicans Protected Under Migratory Bird Act

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been receiving calls about Brown Pelicans that are either washing up dead on the coast or are exhibiting behavior which is uncharacteristic for the species(ie. begging for food, no fear of humans,eating bread crumbs as handouts). Many of the birds are emaciated, or starving and this is the reason for their seemingly lack of fear of humans.

California Brown Pelicans are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Thus it is against the law to capture, kill, or possess these birds. If you come upon a Brown Pelican that is still alive but appears to be starving here is what to do:

If the bird is in the area of the coast from Astoria to Yachats please call the Wildlife Center of the North Coast at 503-338-3954.

If the bird is on the coast from Florence south to Gold Beach please call Free Flight Bird Rehabilitation at 541-347-3882.

If you find a dead Brown Pelican please leave it where you found it. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act it is illegal to possess any part of a migratory bird, dead or alive. If you find a dead Pelican please contact the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team at 206-221-6893.

Finally, DO NOT feed these birds. This will only lead to further habituation of these birds to handouts from humans. It is important that these birds continue on their migratory route.