Pelicans have a unique feature on their beaks, often referred to as “horns” or “caruncles,” which are actually bony plates that grow on the upper mandible (upper jawbone) near the tip of the bill. These horns are more prominent in some species, such as this American White Pelican, and are typically present during the breeding season.

The exact function of these horns is still not fully understood, but they are thought to play a role in courtship and agonistic behavior during pairing and territory establishment. In other words, they may be used to help pelicans establish dominance, attract mates, or defend their territory from other pelicans.

Some scientists believe that the size of the horn may be an indicator of an individual’s age, health, or genetic quality, which could influence its mating success. However, more research is needed to confirm this theory.

It’s worth noting that the horns are not used for catching prey or any other functional purpose, as they are simply a unique characteristic of pelicans during the breeding season.  Once the season is over, the horns fall off.