American White Pelican Photo Gallery
Breeding adult
Huge snow-white waterbird with a long neck, and a massive bill. A yellow plate forms on the upper bill of breeding adults.
© Gerrit Vyn / Macaulay LibraryOregon, April 26, 2019Breeding adult
Huge snow-white waterbird with a long neck, and a massive bill. A yellow plate forms on the upper bill of breeding adults.
© Alix d'Entremont / Macaulay LibraryNova Scotia, June 15, 2013Breeding adults
Often occurs in flocks. The vertical plate near the tip of the bill indicates breeding individuals. All white when on the ground, but note black flight feathers when wing is spread.
© Timothy Barksdale / Macaulay LibraryTexas, March 04, 1997Not all videos have soundNonbreeding adult
Large waterbird with a long yellow bill with an extendable pouch used to scoop fish out of the water.
© Gordon Dimmig / Macaulay LibraryIllinois, August 01, 2014Breeding adult
Large but graceful flyer with black flight feathers and a white body.
© Marky Mutchler / Macaulay LibraryMissouri, March 28, 2020Breeding adult
Soars gracefully on very broad, stable wings. Often soars using thermals.
© Daniel Jauvin / Macaulay LibraryQuebec, July 22, 2019Flock
Often travels and forages in large flocks, sometimes traveling long distances in V-formations.
© Jason Newton / Macaulay LibraryIllinois, February 28, 2017Flock
Frequently seen in groups whether it be loafing, migrating, or foraging.
© maxine reid / Macaulay LibraryWashington, June 08, 2017Habitat
Typically breeds on islands in shallow wetlands in the interior of the continent. They spend winters on coastal waters, bays, and estuaries.
© Arielle DeMerchant / Macaulay LibraryAlberta, June 25, 2017Compare with Similar Species
Click on an image to compare
Species in This Family
Pelicans(Order: Pelecaniformes, Family: Pelecanidae)
More to Read
Don't miss a thing! Join our email list
The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds,
birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation.