American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

The American White Pelican is a large bird with a wingspan of 9 to 10 feet. It has a distinctive white plumage, black flight feathers, and a long, broad bill with a yellow-orange pouch. During the breeding season, it develops a fibrous plate on the upper mandible. These pelicans are known for their graceful soaring and synchronized fishing behavior. They are often found in freshwater lakes, marshes, and estuaries, where they feed on fish by dipping their bills into the water. The American White Pelican is a social bird, often seen in large flocks. It is a migratory species, breeding in North America and wintering in the southern United States and Central America.

Habitat: Freshwater lakes, marshes, estuaries