American White Pelican
Scientific name: Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Habitat: summers - inland lakes; winters - coastal areas
Diet: suckers, carp, minnows, salamanders, crayfish, chub
Life span: 15-25 years in wild
Young: 1-3 eggs/clutch (usually 2)
Size: 5-9 kg (14-20 lbs)
American white pelicans are social birds, living and hunting in colonies. They ride on top of the water in groups to trap schools of fish, scooping their pouches into the water like fish nets. Pelicans do not store fish in their pouches; once the fish is caught the bird tips its head back and allows the water to drain out, then swallows the fish.
During breeding season a nuptial tubercle (vertical plate) grows on the top bill which is believed to be a mating display.
Learn more about this species:
These are some other websites that we think have more great information about this species.
American white pelican on Animal Diversity Web
For More Information
Edmonton Valley Zoo
13315 Buena Vista Road (87th Avenue)
PO Box 2359
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2R7
| attractions@edmonton.ca |
