A massive white seabird that hunts in cooperative groups, herding fish to shallow water. Among the largest US birds — wingspan exceeds 2.5 m.

Native status: Native; widespread, breeding colonies

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 1.3–1.8 m (4.3–6 ft); wingspan 2.4–3.0 m (8–10 ft)
Weight5–7 kg (11–15 lb)
LifespanWild 25+ years
OrderPelecaniformes
FamilyPelecanidae

§ Encyclopedia

The American white pelican is a large aquatic soaring bird from the order Pelecaniformes. It breeds in interior North America, moving south and to the coasts, as far as Costa Rica, in winter.

Source: Wikipedia — American white pelican Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive white pelican with black wingtips and yellow bill.

Similar species. Brown Pelican (smaller, dark). Wood Stork (much smaller).

Voice. Generally silent; grunts at colonies.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Fish, amphibians.

Behavior. Hunts in cooperative groups, herding fish to shallow water. Among the largest US birds.

§ Range

Western North America

§ Habitat

Inland lakes, marshes, rivers

§ Threats

Habitat loss, water-level changes, breeding-colony disturbance.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the american white pelican is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support wetland conservation. Respect nesting colonies.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Cornell Lab — All About Birds
  • National Audubon Society
  • iNaturalist
  • IUCN Red List 2018