White pelican
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

The white pelican is a large waterbird which lives in open and shallow waters and migrates to warmer climates during the winter. As weather has warmed, they have been spotted more frequently in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. 

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A large white pelican wades in shallow water.
An American white pelican visits marsh wetlands in Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Dorchester County, Md., on Jan. 29, 2013. The species has not typically been seen in the mid-Chesapeake Bay region until recently. (Photo by Steve Droter/Chesapeake Bay Program)

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Appearance

The white pelican is a very large waterbird with broad wings, a long neck and large bill. They have thick bodies, as well as short legs and tails. Although they appear completely white while stationary, their black feathers on the tip of their wings show during flight. 

Feeding

White pelicans feed by swimming on the surface and dipping their beaks into the water to catch fish and other aquatic organisms. When foraging at night, they will frequently dip their bills into the water to feel for fish. By day, they locate their prey visually. 

Predators

While juveniles and white pelican eggs are subject to be prey of various larger birds and small mammals such as foxes, full-grown pelicans are only known to be prey of red foxes and coyotes on rare occasions. 

Flight

White pelicans are soarers, often traveling long distances within flocks. When flapping, the beat of their wings is slow and steady. 

Voice

This species is typically silent, sometimes grunting or croaking on nesting grounds. 

Reproduction and life cycle

Male pelicans will court females by circling flights, strutting and bowing. Once females have selected their mates, both the male and female white pelicans will use their bills to collect gravel, sand and soil to create a rim about 8 inches high and use the inside as a nest. Females will lay two eggs, although usually only one chick per nest usually survives, as the other will harass or kill the other. After 2-3 weeks, chicks will leave their nest, although their parents will continue to forage for them until they reach maturity after about 3 years. 

Did you know?

  • White pelicans are among the heaviest flying birds in the world.
  • Adult pelicans eat about 2 pounds of food each day, and as opportunistic feeders, their diet ranges widely. 
  • Male white pelicans tend to be larger than females, but their identical plumage makes it difficult to identify gender at first glance.

Sources and additional information

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