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Sounds
Vocalizations
Only vocalization made by adult is low, hoarse hrraa-hrraa sound produced passively as air is forced from lungs during wing-jerk movements of Bowing and Upright displays (see Behavior: agonistic behavior, below). Nestlings call frequently (Schreiber 1977a), especially when begging for food; voice a shrill, rasping squawk (Chapman 1908, MAS). Muffled squawks emitted during 1–2 d prior to pipping (Shields 2000).
Nonvocal Sounds
Loud popping sound that resonates in gular pouch produced when mandibles snap together during attack behavior (see Behavior: agonistic behavior, below). Following Definitive Prebasic molt, adults noticeably squeak when flying, probably from fresh feathers rubbing together (Schreiber et al. 1989). Sound of wings thrashing against water during bathing apparently attracts conspecifics (Schreiber 1977a).
Shields, Mark. 2002. Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), The Birds of North America Online (A. Poole, Ed.). Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Retrieved from the Birds of North America Online: http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/609
