nonbreeding condition (California, USA; 2008-01-12)


American White Pelican
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

Native Range: North America

Notes: unlike its relative the Brown Pelican, this species does not plunge-dive; instead, it feeds in groups by herding fish into shallow waters and using its large gular pouch to capture its prey; breeds in freshwater lakes in interior regions of North America; winters further south, often near coastlines.

subadult (California, USA; 2008-01-12)
breeding condition, including big knob on bill (California, USA; 2006-04-01)
nonbreeding condition (California, USA; 2008-01-12) large flock (California, USA; 2008-03-26)
striking black-and-white wing pattern in flight (California, USA; 2008-11-29) flying (California, USA; 2007-08-06)
group in flight (California, USA; 2007-10-14) typical soaring-flight behavior (California, USA; 2009-04-11)
pair (California, USA; 2008-11-29) individual in flight (California, USA; 2011-11-29)
pair in flight (California, USA; 2011-11-29) often glide low above the water (California, USA; 2011-11-29)
a feeding assemblage fishes in unison (California, USA; 2011-11-29) a hunting group on the prowl for prey (California, USA; 2011-11-29)
flock standing and preening (California, USA; 2011-11-29)