Overview
The American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) is a majestic, colossal waterbird that boasts the second-largest wingspan of any bird in North America, stretching up to ten feet across. Unlike the coastal Brown Pelican that plunge-dives into ocean surf, this magnificent snow-white giant breeds on secluded islands in inland prairie lakes, executing coordinated, synchronized group fishing maneuvers across shallow waters.
Biology and Physical Characteristics
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos has immaculate snowy-white body plumage accented by dramatic jet-black primary and secondary flight feathers visible in flight. Its enormous bill (up to 38 cm long) is equipped with an expandable golden-yellow gular pouch capable of holding three gallons of water and fish. During the spring breeding season, adults develop a bizarre, laterally flattened fibrous horn atop the upper bill that is shed once eggs are laid.
Behavior and Ecology
Cooperative pack hunters, American White Pelicans swim side by side in synchronized semicircles across shallow lakes, vigorously beating their huge wings against the water to herd schools of minnows and suckers into tight clusters before dipping their pouches simultaneously to scoop up the trapped fish. They are master thermal soaring navigators, riding rising columns of warm air to breathtaking altitudes.
Conservation and Human Impact
Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, the American White Pelican has made a remarkable recovery following historic DDT pesticide bans and wetland sanctuary protections in the northern Great Plains. However, water diversions that shrink vital saline and freshwater breeding lakes like the Great Salt Lake present emerging conservation concerns.
Interesting Factoid
During the spring breeding season, both male and female American White Pelicans grow a bizarre, temporary 3-inch horn on top of their massive orange bills, which they shed completely as soon as their chicks hatch.