In the great state of Montana, you may chance upon a solitary species of Pelican, one out of the pair dwelling in North America. This particular avian is the American White Pelican, making its appearance during the summer season.
These majestic creatures, known as Pelicans, stand among the largest feathered beings in the world, instantly recognizable by their colossal beaks, expandable throat pouches, and remarkable feet. Despite their substantial size, they possess an astonishing lightness facilitated by air-filled pockets within their skeletal framework and skin, enabling them to effortlessly float on water. Furthermore, their elongated wings aid them in graceful soaring through the skies.
Across the globe, eight diverse species of Pelicans exist, with two of them finding abode in North America, namely the American White Pelican and the Brown Pelican.
During the breeding period, Pelicans undergo remarkable transformations. Their facial skin, throats, and bills exhibit vibrant hues, and some even develop additional structures on their beaks.
Breeding Pelicans congregate in colonies, comprising an impressive assemblage of up to 50,000 birds. Depending on the species, they may choose to nest either on the ground or in trees. Following approximately 25 days within their nests, the fledglings gather in groups known as “creches,” comprising up to 100 young birds. Astoundingly, the parents possess the remarkable ability to discern their own offspring, exclusively providing nourishment to them.
While Pelicans indeed prey on other creatures, they are not classified as birds of prey, a category reserved for raptors alone. Fish constitute the primary component of their diet, yet they do not shy away from indulging in crabs, frogs, snakes, mammals, birds, and insects.
Employing their impressive throat pouches, Pelicans adeptly capture fish, skillfully draining the water before swallowing their prey. Additionally, young Pelicans directly feed from their parents’ pouches, acquiring sustenance effortlessly.
To assist you in discerning the distinct Pelican species sighted in Montana, this guide draws upon the invaluable resources of Avibase and incorporates real observations collected by avid birdwatchers on eBird.
Pelican Species Found in Montana:
American White Pelican
American White Pelicans predominantly grace the landscapes of Montana from April to September, although a few linger throughout the entire year. They are documented in approximately 8% of the summertime checklists submitted by bird enthusiasts in the state.
With their impressive wingspans, American White Pelicans soar through the skies as magnificent, large birds, ranking second in North America in terms of average wingspan.
Adult American White Pelicans in their non-breeding phase exhibit an immaculate white plumage, adorned with black flight feathers that become visible during flight or when their wings are outstretched. Their eyes possess a bluish-gray hue, and yellow facial skin surrounds them. Pale orange bills, pouches, and feet complete their striking appearance. Juveniles, on the other hand, sport light gray feathers with darker brown napes.
Breeding adult American White Pelicans showcase distinctive alterations in their appearance compared to their non-breeding counterparts. They sprout a yellow plate on their upper bills, resembling a horn. While their bodies retain their pristine whiteness, their eyes, bills, legs, and feet undergo a transformation, assuming a vivid orange hue.
American White Pelicans experience several molting phases, referred to as “eclipse.” In the spring, a noticeable yellowish patch emerges on their breasts and chests, while the summer bestows upon them blackish feathers atop their heads.
- 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 within remote inland lakes across North America before embarking on a winter sojourn along the southern Pacific Coast of the United States, the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, and Central America. Throughout their migratory journey, they can be sighted in various western and central U.S. states.
Shallow freshwater lakes, wetlands, and the fringes of lakes and rivers serve as favored habitats for American White Pelicans. During winter, they can be found in coastal bays, inlets, and estuaries, where they engage in foraging activities within shallow waters and seek repose on sandbars.
Their diet primarily comprises fish, which they skillfully capture by swimming near the water’s surface, employing their prodigious beaks. Additionally, they exhibit communal foraging behavior, coordinating their efforts with other birds to skillfully herd fish towards the shore, where they can effortlessly seize their nourishment.
American White Pelicans exhibit opportunistic feeding habits, venturing great distances in search of optimal feeding grounds. They are not averse to relishing crayfish, amphibians, and salamanders, and have been known to pilfer fish from other avian species hovering above the water’s surface.
When it comes to vocalizations, American White Pelicans generally remain silent, uttering only occasional grunts. However, their offspring within the vast colonies tend to be more vocal, boisterously clamoring for sustenance.
Nesting grounds for American White Pelicans feature simple, shallow depressions on the ground, subsequently fortified with twigs, sticks, reeds, and assorted materials for enhanced protection of the eggs.
During this phase, the female lays one to two eggs, diligently incubated by both parents for a period of up to thirty-six days. Regrettably, due to the phenomenon of siblicide, whereby one sibling eliminates the other, only a solitary chick manages to survive in each nest.
Did You Know? The elongated and sizable bill of the American White Pelican possesses a remarkable capacity to hold up to three gallons of water. When these birds scoop up fish from the sea, they adeptly tilt their bills downwards, allowing the water to drain away, thus enabling them to devour the remaining fish stored within their throat sacs.