- SCIENTIFIC NAME
- Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
- CLASSIFICATION
- Bird
- LIFE SPAN
- 15-20 Years
- SIZE
- 50-65” | 9.8-19.8lbs
- STATE CONSERVATION STATUS
-
- Priority Species
- FEDERAL CONSERVATION STATUS
- Least Concern
- GAME STATUS
- Non-Game
- GAME TYPE
- None
- Washoe
- Humboldt
- Pershing
- Churchill
- Mineral
- Lyon
- Douglas
- Carson City
- Storey
- Elko
- Lander
- Eureka
- White Pine
- Esmeralda
- Nye
- Lincoln
- Clark
Habitat & Range
American White Pelicans will feed in shallow marshes or along the edges of freshwater bodies. They will typically nest on an isolated island or peninsula in freshwater lakes
- Lakes and reservoirs
- Marsh
Threats
- Disease
- Habitat Degradation
- Habitat Loss
Natural History
American White Pelicans primarily consume small fish, but are also known to eat crustaceans and amphibians. Groups of pelicans may come together to feed cooperatively, “corralling” fish together to take turns scooping up. Sometimes, they will take prey from other birds. During the breeding season, both the male and female will use their beaks to scoop up dirt in order to form a nest. Throughout the breeding season, both males and females develop a bump on the top of their beaks, which is shed at the end of the season. Once born, chicks will spend up to a month with their parents, but then separate and join other groups just before migrating back to their wintering grounds.
Fun Facts
OTHER Species
