American White Pelican

The American white pelican, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, is a majestic bird, one of the largest avian species in North America. It is characterized by its impressive wingspan, bright white plumage, and distinctive bill. During the breeding season, adults develop a unique horn on their bills, which is shed once breeding is complete.

Identification Tips

Adult American white pelicans are identified by their large size, with a body length ranging from 50 to 70 inches and a wingspan of 95 to 120 inches. They have a stark white body with black primary and secondary feathers, visible only in flight. The bill is long and flat with a large throat sac. In breeding plumage, the bill, iris, and feet are a vivid orange, and a horn develops on the upper bill. Non-breeding adults have duller bare parts, with yellow facial skin and orangy-flesh colored bill and feet. Immature birds display light grey plumage with a darker nape.

Habitat

These pelicans favor remote brackish and freshwater lakes for nesting, often on islands within these water bodies. They are found in inland North America, preferring secluded areas away from human disturbance.

Distribution

Breeding populations are located in interior North America, with colonies as far north as the Slave River between Alberta and the Northwest Territories, and as far south as Wyoming and northeastern California. In winter, they migrate to coastal regions, from central California and Florida down to Costa Rica, and along the Mississippi River up to Minnesota.

Behaviour

The American white pelican is a social bird, often seen in large flocks. It is a soaring bird, utilizing thermal updrafts to travel long distances with minimal effort. Unlike its coastal cousin, the brown pelican, it does not dive for fish but instead feeds while swimming. They are cooperative feeders, forming groups to corral fish.

Song & Calls

This species is generally silent, but they do make low, grunting noises during the breeding season, particularly in their colonies.

Breeding

Colonial breeders, they nest in large groups with up to several hundred pairs. The breeding season begins in March or April, with courtship and nest-building followed by laying a clutch of eggs, usually two or three. Both parents incubate the eggs for about a month, and the young fledge 3-4 weeks after hatching.

Similar Species

The American white pelican can be confused with the brown pelican when not in flight due to their similar size. However, the brown pelican has a darker body and is known for its diving behavior, which the American white pelican does not exhibit.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet consists mainly of fish, which they catch while swimming. They consume over 4 pounds of food daily, including carp, perch, trout, catfish, and occasionally crayfish and amphibians. They are known to travel significant distances to feeding grounds when food is scarce.

Conservation status

The American white pelican is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, they have faced challenges due to habitat loss, human disturbance, and past pesticide use. Conservation efforts have led to a recovery in numbers, and the species is now protected under various laws, including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.