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Bird Guide

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos ORDER: PELECANIFORMES FAMILY: PELECANIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Breeding on lakes throughout the northern Great Plains and mountain West, the American White Pelican is one of the largest birds in North America. It winters along the coasts, but breeds only inland.

Appearance

Ducklike

Typical Voice

Adult Description

Large, white waterbird.
Long bill with extensible pouch.
Legs short.
Body large and heavy.
Feet webbed.
Wings long and broad, with black trailing edge.
Tail short.

Immature Description

Juvenile similar to adult, but with dirty grayish markings on head and back.

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Field MarksHelp

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American White Pelican
Adults soaring
- Very large bird with immense bill
- Mostly white with black flight feathers
- Soars in large flocks
- Breeding adults have finlike plate on bill
- © Ross Michaels, Cherry Creek State Park, Colorado, April 2010
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American White Pelican
Group fishing
- Very large white waterbird with immense bill
- Spends summers at inland wetlands; winters along coasts
- All white when sitting; black primaries visible when flying
- Groups often fish together in shallow water to concentrate fish
- © Robinsegg, Great Salt Lake, Utah, August 2008