In the realm of North American avifauna, Massachusetts serves as a habitat for both Pelican species. These avian marvels, namely the American White Pelican and the Brown Pelican, though infrequently encountered, have been known to grace the region with their presence.
Pelicans, renowned for their gargantuan bills, expandable throat pouches, and formidable feet, stand as colossal creatures among the avian realm. Despite their imposing size, they possess a surprising lightness, owing to air pockets nestled within their framework and dermis. These buoyant adaptations enable them to effortlessly float on water surfaces, while their elongated wings facilitate majestic soaring through the skies.
The global population of pelicans consists of a diverse array of eight species, with two of these remarkable birds finding their home in North America—the American White Pelican and the Brown Pelican.
During their breeding period, pelicans undergo striking transformations. Their facial skin, as well as their throats and bills, exhibit vibrant hues, while some develop supplementary structures on their bills.
Pelicans partake in communal breeding endeavors, congregating in colonies numbering up to a staggering 50,000 individuals. Depending on the species, these colonies may choose to nest on the ground or in trees. After approximately 25 days in the nest, the fledglings assemble in “creches” comprising as many as 100 youthful birds. Astonishingly, the parents possess the remarkable ability to identify and exclusively nourish their own offspring.
Although pelicans engage in predatory behavior, it is noteworthy that they do not fall under the classification of raptors, which exclusively encompasses birds of prey. Their dietary preferences predominantly revolve around fish, although they do not shy away from consuming crustaceans, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, avians, and insects.
To seize their piscine prey, pelicans employ their expansive throat pouches, adeptly draining excess water before swallowing their quarry. In a striking display of familial nourishment, juvenile pelicans directly feed from their parents’ pouches.
For avid bird enthusiasts seeking to identify the Pelican species observed in Massachusetts, this guide draws upon avibase and data sourced from birdwatchers on ebird. These resources provide genuine information regarding the opportune moments for spotting these splendid creatures.
Massachusetts Pelicans: Two Distinct Species
American White Pelican
The American White Pelican, although seldom sighted in Massachusetts, has garnered a few noteworthy observations, primarily along the coastal regions. Bristol, Barnstable, and Nantucket played host to sightings of this exceptional species in 2021.
Recognized for their majestic aerial prowess, American White Pelicans rank among the largest birds worldwide, boasting the second most expansive average wingspan among North American avians.
Non-breeding adult American White Pelicans showcase a pristine white plumage, aside from the visible ebony flight feathers discernible during flight or when their wings extend. Their eyes possess a bluish-gray hue, complemented by yellow facial skin encircling their ocular region. Pale orange bills, pouches, and feet complete their striking appearance. In contrast, juvenile individuals don light gray feathers, accentuated by darker brown napes.
Breeding adult American White Pelicans exhibit distinctive transformations in coloration when compared to their non-breeding counterparts. A prominent yellow plate, reminiscent of a horn, manifests on their upper bills. While their bodies retain the characteristic all-white hue, their eye area, bills, legs, and feet become imbued with vibrant shades of orange.
Throughout their lifecycle, American White Pelicans undergo several molting phases, known as eclipse. In spring, a discernible yellowish patch emerges on their breast and chest, while blackish feathers adorn their heads during the summer.
- Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
- Length: 60 – 63 inches (152 – 160 cm)
- Weight: 246.4 ounces (6983 g)
- Wingspan: 96 – 110 inches (244 – 279 cm)
American White Pelicans breed in secluded inland lakes across North America before embarking on winter sojourns along the southern Pacific Coast of the United States, the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, and Central America. During migration, these majestic creatures can be observed in various western and central states of the US.
These impressive birds favor shallow freshwater lakes, wetlands, and the fringes of lakes and rivers as their habitats. Come winter, they seek refuge in coastal bays, inlets, and estuaries, utilizing shallow waters for foraging and sandbars for resting.
Fish constitute the primary dietary staple of American White Pelicans. Utilizing their massive bills, they skim the water’s surface, adeptly capturing their prey. They often engage in collaborative foraging with fellow birds, employing a coordinated approach to herd fish towards the shore, thereby optimizing their feeding efficiency.
Displaying opportunistic tendencies, American White Pelicans traverse great distances in search of bountiful feeding grounds. They display adaptability by consuming crayfish, amphibians, salamanders, and even pilfering fish from other birds lingering atop the water’s surface.
When it comes to vocalizations, American White Pelicans generally maintain a state of silence, with occasional grunts. However, the younglings, clustered in vast colonies, may emit clamorous calls as they beseech their parents for sustenance.
Their nests, simple depressions on the ground, are embellished with twigs, sticks, reeds, and additional protective layers. The female lays one to two eggs, which both parents dutifully incubate for approximately thirty-six days. Regrettably, the natural phenomenon of siblicide, where one sibling eliminates the other, ensures the survival of only a solitary chick per nest.
Fascinating Fact: The American White Pelican’s elongated and cavernous bill possesses the astonishing capacity to contain up to three gallons of water. When they scoop fish from the ocean, they tilt their bills downward, allowing water to drain, leaving behind the delectable piscine morsels trapped within their throat sacs.
Brown Pelican
Brown Pelicans, classified as rare or accidental visitors to Massachusetts, have been occasionally glimpsed along its coastal regions. Sightings have been recorded in Dumpling Rocks, Edgartown, and Barnstable during the year 2020.
Non-breeding adult Brown Pelicans typically display white heads and necks, adorned with pale yellow foreheads. Their long bills exhibit a fusion of yellow and orange hues. Grayish-brown bodies, coupled with short black legs and webbed feet, complete their distinctive appearance. Juveniles, on the other hand, exhibit brown heads, necks, backs, and wings, while their bluish-gray long bills accentuate their light brown underbellies.
The Brown Pelican encompasses five distinct subspecies, two of which find solace within the United States. P.o.californicus denotes the Pacific Coast variant, while P.o.carolinensis signifies the Atlantic Coast variant.
Distinguishing between Pacific and Atlantic Brown Pelicans becomes more evident during their breeding season. Both variants exhibit white heads, adorned with brighter yellow foreheads. The nape’s coloration transitions from white to a rich, dark brown. Atlantic Brown Pelicans sport olive-brown throat pouches, while their Pacific counterparts boast vivid red skin enveloping their throat sacs.
- Pelecanus occidentalis
- Length: 48 – 50 inches (122 – 127 cm)
- Weight: 131.2 ounces (3718 g)
- Wingspan: 78 – 84 inches (198 – 213 cm)
Brown Pelicans either engage in breeding and migration or establish year-round residency along the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts of North America, extending to northern South America.
These remarkable creatures predominantly inhabit shallow water environments. They thrive within estuaries, coastal marine habitats, and seek respite on mangrove islets, sandbars, breakwaters, and offshore rocks.
Brown Pelicans boast a distinctive foraging technique that sets them apart. They skillfully dive into the depths of the ocean, capturing their prey within their expansive throat pouches. Upon resurfacing, the pouch drains, allowing for the immediate consumption of their aquatic bounty.
Their diet primarily consists of fish such as sardines and herring. When not engaged in diving endeavors, they gracefully swim, seizing prey with their bills. Crustaceans, amphibians, eggs, and young birds also find their way into the dietary repertoire of Brown Pelicans.
As for vocalizations, adult Brown Pelicans generally maintain a state of silence, occasionally emitting grunts. Juvenile individuals, however, are more prone to vocalizing, employing squawks to communicate their hunger and solicit food from their caregivers.
Brown Pelican nests are predominantly situated on the ground, as opposed to tree dwellings. Islands, mangroves, and cliffs serve as ideal locations for concealing and safeguarding their nests. Constructed using reeds, leaves, pebbles, sticks, and fortified with soil, these nests become the nurturing abode for two to four eggs. Both parents diligently incubate the eggs for approximately one month.
Fascinating Fact: Brown Pelicans showcase a unique incubation method by employing their webbed feet to cover and protect their eggs. However, this practice posed a significant threat to their population due to the adverse effects of the pesticide DDT, which caused thinning of eggshells. The weight of the parent’s feet contributed to the eggs breaking. Countless conservation efforts were instrumental in restoring the numbers of Brown Pelicans to their former glory.