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American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos ORDER: PELECANIFORMES FAMILY: PELECANIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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American White Pelican Photo

© William L. Newton / CLO

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.

Read Cornell Lab of Ornithology's blog, Round Robin

Appearance

Ducklike
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.

Range Map Help

American White Pelican Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp