Brown Pelicans feed on mid-sized fish that they capture by diving from above and then scooping or dipping the fish into their pouch, which acts as a flexible dip net. Although they do feed on anchovies and sardines most of their prey has little commercial value. They are the only species of pelican that hunts with such dramatic plunging dives. After capturing the fish they rise to the surface and drain the water from the pouch. They point the bill up and swallow the catch. They are often robbed of their catch by gulls before they get the chance to swallow. Juvenile Brown Pelicans have been observed fishing in the manner of the other pelican species, by swimming on the surface of the water. The pelican's beak can "really hold more than its belly can". The pouch holds about three gallons, the stomach about one gallon. They also take some invertebrates. They are familiar sight around fishing ports within their range, where they roost on piers, docks, and fishing boats feeding on scraps.
It is said that brown pelicans can eat as much as four pounds of fish in one day.
