White pelicans have a much wider wingspan and weigh twice as much as brown pelicans.  But the biggest difference between these two species is their feeding style.

Brown pelicans catch fish by diving head first into the water from as much as sixty feet up.  Each turns its body and head slightly to the left to protect their trachea and esophagus. 

White pelicans present an almost ballet-like style of fishing, by gliding along the water’s surface in groups, repeatedly and gracefully dipping their pouches below to scoop up fish.  It’s a hypnotic thing to watch, begging for some slow, gentle music to accompany the spectacle.