Species Facts

Conservation Status: IUCN Least Concern

Description: A very large, white bird with a yellow-orange bill, pouch, and legs. During the breeding season, they develop keratin growths on their bills.

Play American White Pelican call:

Where to find them: These pelicans can be found on bodies of freshwater in the southern parts of Canada, central, western, and southern parts of the United States, and Mexico and Central America.

Fun Facts:

• The American White Pelican is one of the largest birds in North America. They can be easily identified in flight with their big white bodies and black primary flight feathers.
• Unlike the Brown Pelican, American White Pelicans do not dive to catch their prey, instead, they hunt from the water’s surface, scooping up fish with their flexible bills.
• The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has been learning new things about American White Pelican migratory behavior through the use of satellite transmitters. Read about their findings HERE.
• An inspiring American White Pelican patient was named our 2017 Bird of the Year. Read more of his story on our blog.

Threats: Fishing gear, habitat loss,

How YOU can Help: Fish responsibly and clean up any fishing gear that is left out.