American White Pelican
Jan 8th, 2008 by Josey
American White Pelicans (Pelicanus erythrorhynchos)
American White Pelicans are unmistakable large white birds with black and white wings. They have a long, wide orange bill. They are found mainly in the western and southern parts of North America. The American White Pelican weighs as much as 30 pounds, and their wingspan can exceed nine feet.
American White Pelicans breed inland in large colonies on remote islands and inland lakes, and spend their winters along warm southern coasts. The pelicans that are breeding have a brighter colored bill than those that are not.
The American White Pelican does not dive for fish like its relative, the Brown Pelican does. Instead, it dips its head underwater to scoop up fish. They work together in groups to trap their prey, usually small fish or crustaceans. A breeding adult may eat the equivalent of 40% of its own body mass in a single day.
American White Pelicans migrate in two separate groupings: those west of the Rockies migrate over deserts in winter. Those east of the Rockies migrate along river valleys, including the Mississippi River.
The American White Pelican is graceful, flying with slow, powerful strokes. They nest in colonies of several hundred.
The population of American White Pelicans is threatened by poaching, and they are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. However, they are tolerant of people if not approached too closely.
American White Pelicans are rather unusual among birds because they are mostly silent, except for low grunts given during aggressiveness or at breeding sites. The young, however, are much more vocal, even squawking before they are hatched if they are too hot or too cold.
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by: Josey Layne