 Pelicans have mainly light @-@ coloured plumage , the exceptions being the brown and Peruvian pelicans . The bills , pouches and bare facial skin of all species become brighter before breeding season commences . The throat pouch of the Californian subspecies of the brown pelican turns bright red , and fades to yellow after the eggs are laid , while the throat pouch of the Peruvian pelican turns blue . The American white pelican grows a prominent knob on its bill that is shed once females have laid eggs . The plumage of immature pelicans is darker than that of adults . Newly hatched chicks are naked and pink , darkening to grey or black after 4 to 14 days , then developing a covering of white or grey down . 
