Pelicans tend to gather in large colonies and are very social birds, but a male will defend a nesting spot from rivals for weeks until a female takes notice during the spring months. After nesting, both parents dutifully care for chicks until they're strong enough to fend for themselves.
“Brown Pelican Life History, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology.” , All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, , All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Brown_Pelican/lifehistory.