Variation in reproductivity with age in the brown pelican

About 10% of the Brown Pelicans breeding in South Carolina are in immature plumage. In comparison to adult breeders, immatures nested later, laid a smaller clutch, nested more frequently in low ground that was flooded, lost a larger proportion of nestlings, and produced fewer downy young per nest. Factors such as experience in breeding and fishing success probably influence reproductive success of pelicans of various ages.