In the territory of North America, one can observe both kinds of Pelican, namely the American White Pelican and the Brown Pelican. These remarkable creatures can be sighted during the summer season.
Pelicans, recognized for their massive bills, throat pouches, and feet, are among the largest birds worldwide. Despite their considerable size, they possess lightweight bodies due to air-filled pockets in their skeleton and skin, enabling them to float effortlessly. Additionally, their elongated wings aid in graceful soaring while in flight.
The globe houses a total of eight Pelican species, two of which inhabit North America: the American White Pelican and the Brown Pelican.
During the breeding period, Pelicans undergo noticeable changes in their facial skin, throats, and bills, exhibiting more vibrant colors. Some even develop additional structures on their bills.
Pelicans prefer to breed in colonies, where up to 50,000 birds may congregate. Depending on the species, these colonies can be either ground-nesting or tree-nesting. After spending approximately 25 days in the nest, the young Pelicans gather in groups known as “creches,” consisting of up to 100 fledglings. Astonishingly, the parents possess the ability to identify and exclusively nourish their own offspring.
Although Pelicans prey on various animals, they are not classified as birds of prey, as this term is solely attributed to raptors. Their diet primarily consists of fish, yet they also consume crabs, frogs, snakes, mammals, birds, and insects.
To capture fish, Pelicans employ their throat pouches, using them as a tool to ensnare their prey and drain excess water before ingestion. Additionally, young Pelicans directly feed from their parents’ throat pouches.
To assist you in distinguishing the Pelicans found in Washington, this guide utilizes data from birdwatchers on eBird, in conjunction with information obtained from avibase. Consequently, it provides authentic details regarding the opportune moments for observing these avian species.
2 Types of Pelicans Spotted in Washington:
American White Pelican
Typically, American White Pelicans can be observed in Washington from April to October, with some individuals remaining throughout the year. Birdwatchers have recorded sightings of these Pelicans in approximately 2% of the submitted checklists during the summer season in the state.
American White Pelicans possess impressive wingspans, ranking second highest among all North American birds.
Non-breeding adult American White Pelicans exhibit predominantly white plumage, except for their black flight feathers, which are visible solely during flight or when their wings are extended. Their eyes exhibit a bluish-gray hue, complemented by yellow facial skin surrounding the eye region. Pale orange bills, pouches, and feet complete their distinctive appearance. Juvenile American White Pelicans feature light gray feathers, accompanied by darker brown napes.
During the breeding season, adult American White Pelicans showcase distinct color variations compared to their non-breeding counterparts. They develop a yellow plate on their upper bills, resembling a horn. While their bodies retain the all-white coloration, their eyes, bills, legs, and feet exhibit a more vibrant orange hue.
American White Pelicans undergo molting changes, known as “eclipse.” In the spring, a visible yellowish patch appears on their breasts and chests, followed by the emergence of blackish feathers 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, subsequently migrating to wintering grounds along the southern
Pacific Coast of the United States, the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, and Central America. During migration, they can be observed in various western and central states of the US.
These Pelicans primarily inhabit shallow freshwater lakes, wetlands, and the peripheries of lakes and rivers. In winter, they can be found in coastal bays, inlets, and estuaries, where they engage in foraging within shallow waters and seek respite on sandbars.
The diet of American White Pelicans primarily consists of fish. They skillfully swim on the water’s surface, seizing their prey with their substantial bills. Moreover, they engage in cooperative foraging with other birds, employing strategic maneuvers to corral fish towards the shoreline, thus facilitating efficient scooping.
Displaying opportunistic feeding habits, American White Pelicans actively seek areas abundant in food resources, often traveling considerable distances. Additionally, they exhibit a proclivity for pilfering fish from the water’s surface, snatching meals intended for other avian species.
In terms of vocalizations, American White Pelicans generally remain silent, emitting only sporadic grunts. However, their young offspring may vocalize loudly within the vast colonies, clamoring for sustenance.
Nests of American White Pelicans consist of simple, shallow depressions on the ground. Twigs, sticks, reeds, and assorted materials are added atop the soil, serving as protective layers for the eggs.
Once laid, the female diligently incubates one to two eggs, while both parents contribute to the incubation process, which lasts approximately thirty-six days. Unfortunately, due to a phenomenon known as siblicide, wherein one sibling kills the other, only a single chick per nest typically survives.
Fun Fact: The elongated and substantial bill of the American White Pelican possesses the capacity to contain up to three gallons of water. When scooping fish from the sea, the Pelican tilts its bill downward, allowing the water to drain out, leaving the captured fish within its throat sac for consumption.
Brown Pelican
Brown Pelicans are generally sighted in Washington from June to mid-November, primarily occupying coastal regions. However, a few individuals remain in the area throughout the year.
Non-breeding adult Brown Pelicans feature white heads and necks, accompanied by pale yellow foreheads. Their extended bills exhibit a combination of yellow and orange hues. Their bodies showcase a grayish-brown coloration, complemented by short, black legs and webbed feet. Juvenile Brown Pelicans possess brown heads, necks, backs, and wings, while their lengthy bills display a bluish-gray shade. They exhibit a light brown underbelly.
The Brown Pelican encompasses five subspecies, with two of them breeding within the United States. The Pacific Coast variant is known as P.o.californicus, whereas the Atlantic Coast variant is designated as P.o.carolinensis.
Notable differences between Pacific and Atlantic Brown Pelicans become more pronounced during the breeding season. Both species feature white heads, accompanied by more vibrant yellow foreheads. However, the napes of Atlantic Brown Pelicans transition from white to dark brown, whereas Pacific Brown Pelicans develop red skin on their throat pouches.
- 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 and migrate or remain year-round along the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts of North America, extending into northern regions of South America.
Brown Pelicans primarily inhabit shallow water environments, maintaining a year-round presence in estuaries and coastal marine habitats. They can also be observed on mangroveislets, as well as resting on sandbars, breakwaters, and offshore rocks.
Notably, Brown Pelicans possess a unique foraging technique that distinguishes them. They have the ability to plunge into the depths of the ocean to capture prey within their throat pouches. As they resurface, the water drains from their pouches, enabling them to swiftly consume their catch.
Their diet predominantly comprises fish such as sardines and herring. When not engaged in diving, Brown Pelicans adopt a more leisurely approach, casually swimming and seizing prey using their bills. Their diet may also include crustaceans like prawns, amphibians, eggs, and other young birds.
As for vocalizations, adult Brown Pelicans typically remain silent, emitting occasional grunts. However, juvenile individuals vocalize in a squawking manner as they beseech their parents for food.
Nests of Brown Pelicans are more frequently constructed on the ground rather than in trees. Islands, mangroves, and cliffs serve as preferred locations for concealed and protected nesting sites. The female builds the nest using reeds, leaves, pebbles, sticks, and soil. Subsequently, she lays two to four eggs, with both parents partaking in the incubation process, which lasts approximately a month.
Fun Fact: Brown Pelicans exhibit a unique incubation method whereby they cover their eggs using their webbed feet. This practice, however, proved detrimental to the species during a period when the pesticide DDT led to thinning of eggshells, causing them to break under the weight of parental feet. Multiple conservation efforts were necessary to restore Brown Pelican populations.