American White Pelican

158 cm (62") Wings 274 cm (108") Locally common in breeding colonies. Lakes, bays, beaches. White bird with black wing tips. Massive orange bill with a large pouch in the throat region. Does not dive like Brown Pelican, rather feeds by dipping bill into water by wading or swimming in shallows.

In flight, flaps and glides. Flocks fly in lines, V's and may circle high on thermals.

Videos

Images

Credit: David Slater

Credit: Len Blumin

Credit: Len Blumin

Credit: Ingrid Taylar

Distribution Maps

American White Pelican distribution map

American White Pelican winter distribution map