American White Pelican - Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

Length 4.2-5.4 ft (127.0-165.1 cm)
Wingspan 9.0 ft (274.3 cm)
Weight 16.4 lb (7438.9 g)
Clutch Size 1-6
Chicks at birth Altricial
IUCN Conservation Status Least Concern
Continents:N/A
     

The American White Pelican is a North American bird that breeds in northern U.S. and Canada and winters in southern U.S. and Mexico. Unlike the Brown Pelican, the White Pelican does not dive for its food. Instead, it dips its head underwater to scoop up the fish or plant matter.

Both sexes look similar, but the male is larger and its long beak grows in a downward arc. The female's beak is shorter and straighter. The most noticeable breeding difference is the protuberance on the top end of their bill.

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