Majestic Migrant: American White Pelican
The American White Pelican is an impressive bird in more ways than one. Its nine-foot wingspan is one of the largest of any North American bird, second only to the mighty California Condor. It’s also one of the heaviest flying birds in the world, weighing up to 30 pounds. A flock of these pelicans on the water or soaring high against a blue sky is an impressive sight.
Both sexes of American White Pelicans look alike, with snow-white plumage set off by black wing feathers that are most noticeable in flight. Bill, legs and feet are pale orange. Juveniles are dusky white with pale yellow bills and feet.
Like many waterbirds such as the Great Egret, the American White Pelican becomes more colorful during its breeding season, with the bare skin around the eye, legs and feet changing to a vivid red-orange, and a light-yellow crest growing atop its head.
A more unusual feature of this species is the strange-looking “horn” or ridge that grows atop its upper bill during the breeding season. What’s this weird-looking protuberance, and why is it there?
Read on to find out more: abcbirds.org/bird/american-wh...