Eight species of pelicans make up the family Pelecanidae. Two species can be found in the United States, the American white pelican and the Brown pelican, seen here. This pelican was found in San Diego, along a coastal trail. I wonder if people in California view these beautiful birds as no big deal since they are so common, because every time I see one, I am so captivated by them. This pelican was busy preening, or grooming its feathers to keep them in good condition.