2638 (1 photos) 2013-01-12 Puerto de Manzanillo, Colima (Col), Mexico
Adult in breeding plumage with the brown back to the neck. The completely dark gular pouch and probably also the limited red on the bill are indications that this bird might be of the Atlantic subspecies, carolinensis, rather than the one normally seen along this part of the Pacific coast, californicus.
Adult in breeding plumage with the brown back to the neck. The completely dark gular pouch and probably also the limited red on the bill are indications that this bird might be of the Atlantic subspecies, carolinensis, rather than the one normally seen along this part of the Pacific coast, californicus.
Adult in breeding plumage with the brown back to the neck. The completely dark gular pouch and probably also the limited red on the bill are indications that this bird might be of the Atlantic subspecies, carolinensis, rather than the one normally seen along this part of the Pacific coast, californicus.
2641 (1 photos) 2013-08-02 Puerto de Manzanillo, Colima (Col), Mexico
Adult bird still in alternate plumage, but perhaps some signs of transition. Adults of this subspecies should have red proximally on the gular pouch, which is not the case here, but compared with 2638-40, which I suspect could be Atlantic birds, this bird has much more red on the bill, which I think might fit a californicus better. So perhaps the later time of the year, compared to the other photos, is the reason why the gular pouch hasn't got the red basis anymore..?
Adult in basic plumage without chestnut on head. The gular pouch is used both as fishing device and heat regulator. Yucatán 2013.
2281 (1 photos) 2016-05-14 Presa La Vega, west of Gdl, Jalisco (Jal), Mexico
Adult. Thought this one was my first at la Vega, but apparently I had one at my first visit in June 2013 as well, but still a good record. Notice the size difference compared to the white pelicans.
Adult in breeding plumage with the brown back to the neck. The completely dark gular pouch and probably also the limited red on the bill are indications that this bird might be of the Atlantic subspecies, carolinensis, rather than the one normally seen along this part of the Pacific coast, californicus.
Took the left bird for an adult in the field, but here it is obvious that it is more likely to be a subadult, with juvenile type bill and still dark patches on the head, despite the fact that it has the adult type dark back side to the neck. So, knowing that it is not an adult bird, I better not conclude 100% that they belong to the Atlantic subspecies, atlanticus, even though there is absolutely no indication of anything bright or reddish on the throat pouch. And furthermore they both seem rather small and compact, which fits Atlantic birds better than Pacific or Californian, californicus. The Atlantic birds are not uncommon on the Pacific coast. They are known to breed in Honduras on this side, and they can also easily cross the isthmus between Oaxaca and Chiapas.
Subadult bird is what my conclusion says, with a combination of an adult hind neck and a juvenile head. There were some 20 birds present this day, and most were juveniles, and all looked to be of the Atlantic type concurring with other observations of the species from this area.
Adult in basic plumage. Does the strong red bill tip mean that this bird is of the Californian subspecies? 2641 is very similar. But, saw a clear californicus today with red pouch, so perhaps they must show that character now in October, why this one and 2641, after all are carolinensis.
Adult type in basic plumage. Other than 2783, same time and spot. Seems more diffuse in its expression, and notice the brighter parts of the gular pouch, perhaps indicating a californicus?
Adult bird in breeding plumage, with the brown neck and darkish bill. This subspecies due to the red throat pouch. Compare with 3306 from same date and location.