American White PelicanPelecanus erythrorhynchosWhere and when to see them

The American White Pelican is one of North America's largest birds, distinguished by its white plumage, enormous bill, and broad wings. Its black flight feathers are especially striking when it takes flight. It breeds mainly on inland waters in western and central North America, with many populations migrating south for winter. Both the Columbia and Mississippi river systems provide feeding areas, migration stopovers, or seasonal habitat. Despite its size, this pelican is an accomplished soaring bird that uses rising air to travel efficiently.

Size

Body length: 127-165 cm (50-65 in); wingspan: approximately 2.4-3 m (8-10 ft).

Weight

Typically 5-9 kg (11-20 lb).

Lifespan

Can live more than 25 years in the wild.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

American White Pelicans are highly social and often feed, rest, and travel in groups. When feeding cooperatively, several birds may form a line or semicircle and drive fish toward shallow water. They catch prey while swimming, dipping their bills and expanding their throat pouches beneath the surface. Unlike Brown Pelicans, they do not plunge-dive from the air to feed. Migrating flocks often soar in circles on rising warm air before gliding onward in lines or loose formations. They breed in colonies, building shallow ground nests on islands or other relatively isolated sites. Adults shade and protect young chicks, while older chicks gather in groups known as crèches.

• Both sexes develop the distinctive bill horn during the breeding season.
• The throat pouch scoops prey but is not used to carry a reserve of food.
• Pelicans incubate their eggs beneath their large webbed feet.
• Groups can cooperate to herd fish into easier-to-reach water.

Wildlife opportunities depend on the river reach, water levels and species. River-specific viewing months have not been confirmed; general species seasons are not a local sighting forecast.

This species uses shallow lakes, marshes, reservoirs, river backwaters, and sheltered coastal waters. Feeding areas generally offer accessible fish in shallow water, while islands and sandbars provide places to rest. Breeding colonies are usually on islands with limited access for terrestrial predators. In the Columbia River basin, pelicans occur around suitable reservoirs, wetlands, and quieter river reaches, particularly in inland areas. Along the Mississippi system, backwaters, floodplain lakes, and wetlands support birds during migration, with wintering habitat especially important farther south.

American White Pelicans eat mainly fish, including small schooling species and fish concentrated in shallow water. They also take crayfish and occasionally amphibians or other aquatic animals. Their expandable throat pouch acts as a scoop, and water drains away before prey is swallowed. They sometimes steal food from other pelicans or waterbirds.

Common name

American White Pelican

Scientific name

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

Animal group

Birds

Size

Body length: 127-165 cm (50-65 in); wingspan: approximately 2.4-3 m (8-10 ft).

Weight

Typically 5-9 kg (11-20 lb).

Lifespan

Can live more than 25 years in the wild.

Status

Least Concern (IUCN).

Identification

Look for a very large white waterbird with a long yellow-orange bill, a bare throat pouch, and short orange legs. In flight, broad black flight feathers contrast sharply with the white wings, and the neck is held folded back. Breeding adults develop a temporary raised plate or horn on the upper bill. Immatures resemble adults but can show dusky coloring on the head, neck, and wing coverts.