North America boasts a duo of Pelican species, both of which can be observed in South Dakota. These avian inhabitants consist of the American White Pelican and the Brown Pelican. The former graces the region during the summer months, while the latter is a rarity, seldom seen in South Dakota.
Pelicans, known for their colossal bills, expandable throat pouches, and remarkable feet, stand among the largest birds globally. Despite their size, they possess a lightness facilitated by air pockets within their skeletons and skin, aiding their buoyancy, while their elongated wings enable graceful flight.
The world harbors a total of eight Pelican species, with two making their abode in North America—the American White Pelican and the Brown Pelican.
During breeding seasons, Pelicans undergo vibrant transformations, exhibiting more vibrant colors on their facial skin, throats, and bills. Some even develop additional protrusions on their bills.
These birds gather in colonies, comprising up to a staggering 50,000 individuals. Depending on the species, these colonies may engage in either ground-nesting or tree-nesting habits. After approximately 25 days in the nest, the young Pelicans assemble in “creches,” where up to 100 fledglings congregate. Remarkably, the parents possess the ability to recognize their own offspring and provide sustenance solely to them.
While Pelicans may prey on other creatures, they do not fall under the classification of birds of prey, which solely encompasses raptors. Their diet primarily consists of fish, but they also partake in meals comprising crabs, frogs, snakes, mammals, birds, and insects.
The distinctive throat pouch serves as a tool for capturing fish, allowing the Pelicans to drain the water before ingestion. Juvenile Pelicans even feed directly from their parents’ pouches.
To aid in identifying the various Pelican species observed in South Dakota, this guide draws information from reputable sources such as Avibase and incorporates data gathered from avid birdwatchers on eBird.
Two Pelican Species in South Dakota:
American White Pelican
During the breeding season, American White Pelicans inhabit South Dakota and can be predominantly observed from April to November. They are documented in approximately 6% of the summer checklists submitted by dedicated birdwatchers within the state. Some individuals may even remain in the area throughout the year.
American White Pelicans possess substantial size and remarkable soaring abilities, boasting the second-largest average wingspan among all North American birds.
Non-breeding adult American White Pelicans display an entirely white plumage, except for their black flight feathers, which become visible during flight or when their wings are outstretched. These birds exhibit bluish-gray eyes and yellow facial skin encompassing their eyes. Their bills, pouches, and feet bear a pale orange hue. Juveniles, on the other hand, feature light gray feathers with darker brown napes.
During the breeding season, adult American White Pelicans undergo a distinct transformation in coloration. They develop a yellow plate on their upper bills, reminiscent of a horn. While their bodies maintain the all-white appearance, their eyes, bills, legs, and feet become more vividly orange.
American White Pelicans experience various molting changes referred to as “eclipse.” In spring, a visible yellowish patch emerges on their breasts and chests, while blackish feathers appear on their heads during the summer.
- Scientific Name: 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 migrating to spend the winter along the southern Pacific
Coast of the United States, the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, and Central America. During migration, they can also be sighted in western and central states of the US.
American White Pelicans tend to inhabit shallow freshwater lakes, wetlands, and the perimeters of lakes and rivers. In winter, they seek out coastal bays, inlets, and estuaries, where they forage in shallow waters and rest upon sandbars.
The primary dietary preference of American White Pelicans revolves around fish. They skillfully swim on the water’s surface and capture their prey using their substantial bills. They also engage in collective foraging endeavors with other birds, strategically herding fish toward the shore, facilitating efficient scooping.
These opportunistic feeders possess a propensity for venturing long distances in search of optimal feeding grounds. Additionally, they may consume crayfish, amphibians, salamanders, and have been known to pilfer fish from the water’s surface, snatching them away from other avian species.
American White Pelican Calls: While these birds typically remain silent or emit a few grunts, their offspring can become quite vocal within large colonies, fervently clamoring for sustenance.
American White Pelican nests are relatively straightforward, encompassing shallow depressions upon the ground. Twigs, sticks, reeds, and various other materials are incorporated to provide additional protection for the eggs.
The female Pelican lays one to two eggs, which both parents diligently incubate together for approximately thirty-six days. Regrettably, only one fledgling per nest survives due to the occurrence of siblicide, wherein one sibling eliminates the other.
Fun Fact: The elongated and substantial bill of the American White Pelican possesses the ability to accommodate up to three gallons of water. When capturing fish, the bird tilts its bill downward, allowing the water to drain away. Subsequently, the remaining fish is swallowed from the throat sac.
Brown Pelican
Brown Pelicans represent a rare or infrequent species within South Dakota, with only a handful of sightings recorded within the state. Their most recent appearance near Big Bend Dam dates back to 2010.
Non-breeding adult Brown Pelicans typically exhibit white heads and necks, complemented by pale yellow foreheads. Their elongated bills showcase a combination of yellow and orange hues. Grayish-brown bodies, short black legs, and webbed feet complete their appearance. Juveniles, meanwhile, display brown heads, necks, backs, and wings, with bluish-gray bills and a light brown underbelly.
The Brown Pelican comprises five subspecies, with two of them breeding within the United States. P.o.californicus represents the Pacific Coast variant, while P.o.carolinensis is the Atlantic Coast variant.
The disparities between Pacific and Atlantic Brown Pelicans become particularly evident during the breeding season. Both species exhibit white heads with prominently yellow foreheads. However, their napes undergo a transformation from white to dark brown. Atlantic Brown Pelicans possess olive-brown throat pouches, whereas Pacific Brown Pelicans feature red skin in this region.
- Scientific Name: 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 breed, migrate, or maintain a year-round presence along the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts of North America, extending to northern South America.
These avian inhabitants primarily inhabit shallow water environments, remaining year-round in estuaries and coastal marine habitats. Resting periods are often observed on mangrove islets, sandbars, breakwaters, and offshore rocks.
Brown Pelicans possess a distinctive foragingability that sets them apart. They adeptly dive into deep ocean waters, capturing their prey within their expandable throat pouches. Upon surfacing, the water drains from their pouches, allowing for immediate consumption of the catch.
Their diet predominantly consists of fish such as sardines and herring. When not engaged in diving, Brown Pelicans leisurely swim, seizing their prey with their bills. They may also consume crustaceans like prawns, amphibians, eggs, and young birds.
Brown Pelican Calls: Adult Brown Pelicans are generally silent, emitting occasional grunts. Juveniles, however, express vocal demands when begging for food.
Brown Pelican nests are predominantly situated on the ground rather than within trees. These concealed nests are commonly found on islands, in mangroves, or on cliffs. The female diligently constructs the nest using reeds, leaves, pebbles, sticks, and soil. Subsequently, she lays two to four eggs, which are incubated by both parents for approximately one month.
Fun Fact: Brown Pelicans adopt a unique incubation technique, covering their eggs with their webbed feet. This practice proved detrimental to the species during a period when the pesticide DDT led to the thinning of eggshells, causing them to break under the weight of their parents’ feet. Extensive conservation efforts were required to restore Brown Pelican populations.