Range Map

Description: The White Pelican is one of America's largest birds with a wingspan nearly ten feet wide! Soaring White Pelicans dwarf even eagles and Great Blue Herons. The White Pelican measures nearly 50 inches in length. Its entire body is white with a long orange bill and bright orange webbed feet. The White Pelican has an orange pouch under its bill. During the breeding season, individuals grow small fins on their bills.

Range/Habitat: White Pelicans breed throughout the lakes, marshes, and ponds of the western and central United States and Canada. Many individuals winter along the Gulf coast. White Pelicans breed in medium-sized to large colonies, usually on islands. Because of the constant threat of predation, adults attend to the nests constantly until the young are four weeks old. At eight weeks, the young pelicans are able to fly.

Diet: White Pelicans feed entirely on chubs, catfish, shiners, and carp. They may occasionally eat crayfish and salamanders.