Scores of starving and sick pelicans are found along the California coast

Scores of sick, starving and dying pelicans have been found along the southern California coastline in recent weeks.

Lifeguards spotted a cluster of two dozen sick pelicans earlier this week on a pier in coastal Newport Beach and called in wildlife experts to assist.

Debbie McGuire, executive director, said the birds are the latest group that they've tried to save after taking in more than 100 other pelicans that were anaemic, dehydrated and weighing only half of what they should.