In the state of West Virginia, one can observe both species of Pelican that are found in North America. These include the remarkable American White Pelican and the Brown Pelican. During their migration, the American White Pelican has occasionally been spotted in this region. However, the presence of the Brown Pelican in West Virginia is quite rare, making sightings infrequent.
Pelicans are among the largest avian creatures globally and are easily recognizable due to their enormous bills, expandable throat pouches, and sturdy feet. Despite their size, they possess a lightweight structure, thanks to air pockets present in their bones and skin. These air-filled compartments enable them to effortlessly float on water, while their elongated wings aid in graceful soaring through the skies.
The world is home to eight distinct species of pelicans, with two residing in North America—the American White Pelican and the Brown Pelican.
During the breeding season, pelicans undergo remarkable transformations. Their facial skin, as well as their throats and bills, assume vibrant hues, and some even develop additional protrusions on their bills.
Pelicans tend to breed in colonies that can comprise up to a staggering 50,000 birds. Depending on the species, these colonies may consist of ground-nesting or tree-nesting pelicans. After approximately 25 days of nest residency, the young pelicans assemble in groups called “creches,” which can contain up to 100 individuals. Astonishingly, the parents can identify and exclusively feed their own offspring within these gatherings.
While pelicans do prey on other animals, they are not classified as birds of prey, as that distinction is reserved for raptors alone. Fish constitute the primary food source for pelicans, although they also consume crabs, frogs, snakes, mammals, birds, and insects.
To secure their catch, pelicans employ their expandable throat pouches, which allow them to capture fish and then drain out the water before swallowing their meal. Additionally, young pelicans directly feed from their parents’ throat pouches.
This comprehensive guide offers valuable assistance in identifying the various types of pelicans encountered in West Virginia. Drawing on data collected from avid birdwatchers on eBird and avibase, it furnishes authentic information regarding the timing of these birds’ sightings.
Two Pelican Species in West Virginia:
American White Pelican
The American White Pelican is not frequently sighted in West Virginia; however, occasional reports of their presence during migration have surfaced. Notably, in 2022, sightings of American White Pelicans were recorded in the vicinity of Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area.
With an expansive wingspan, the American White Pelican ranks as one of North America’s largest soaring birds. They possess the second-largest average wingspan among all avian species on the continent.
Non-breeding adult American White Pelicans display a predominantly white plumage, except for the black flight feathers that become visible during flight or when their wings are outstretched. Their eyes exhibit a bluish-gray hue, while their facial skin surrounding the eyes takes on a yellow shade. Pale orange bills, pouches, and feet complete their distinctive features. Juveniles, on the other hand, sport light gray feathers with darker brown napes.
Breeding adult American White Pelicans exhibit distinct coloration compared to their non-breeding counterparts. They develop a yellow horn-like projection on their upper bills. Although their bodies remain predominantly white, their eyes, bills, legs, and feet become vibrant shades of orange.
American White Pelicans undergo various molting changes referred to as “eclipse.” During spring, a visible yellowish patch emerges on their breast and chest. In the summer, their heads acquire blackish feathers.
- 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 their winters along the southern Pacific Coast, the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, and Central America. During migration, they can be observed in western and central states of the US.
In West Virginia, American White Pelicans can be found in shallow freshwater lakes, wetlands, and along the edges of lakes and rivers. During the winter, they can be spotted in coastal bays, inlets, and estuaries, where they forage in shallow water and rest on sandbars.
Their diet primarily consists of fish, which they capture by swimming on the water’s surface and engulfing their prey with their impressive bills. They also engage in cooperative foraging with other birds, employing strategic maneuvers to herd fish toward the shore, facilitating efficient feeding.
American White Pelicans are opportunistic feeders, always in search of abundant food sources. They may travel long distances to locate favorable feeding grounds. Additionally, they consume crustaceans like crabs, amphibians, and salamanders. Interestingly, they are known to steal fish from the water’s surface, pilfering meals from fellow birds.
Regarding vocalizations, American White Pelicans are generally silent, emitting only occasional grunts. However, their young ones can be quite boisterous within the large colonies, vociferously demanding food.
When constructing their nests, American White Pelicans prefer simple, shallow depressions on the ground. They enhance these nests by adding twigs, sticks, reeds, and other materials for protection. The female then lays one to two eggs, which both parents diligently incubate for a period of up to thirty-six days. Regrettably, due to siblicide—a phenomenon wherein one sibling kills the other—only one chick survives per nest.
Fun Fact: The prodigious bill of the American White Pelican possesses the capacity to hold up to three gallons of water. To extract the fish from their catch, they tip their bills downward, allowing the water to drain out so they can swallow the remaining fish held within their throat sac.
Brown Pelican
In West Virginia, Brown Pelicans are exceedingly rare, with only a few sightings documented within the state. They are considered accidental visitors and were last observed around Bull Creek back in 2020.
Non-breeding adult Brown Pelicans typically feature white heads and necks with pale yellow foreheads. Their lengthy bills exhibit a combination of yellow and orange hues. Their bodies bear a grayish-brown coloration, complemented by short, black legs and webbed feet. Juveniles display brown hues on their heads, necks, backs, and wings, while their long bills present a bluish-gray shade. Their underparts are light brown.
The Brown Pelican species comprises five subspecies, two of which breed in the United States. The Pacific Coast variant is referred to as P.o.californicus, while the Atlantic Coast variant is known as P.o.carolinensis.
Notable distinctions between Pacific and Atlantic Brown Pelicans become more apparent during the breeding season. Both species possess white heads with brighter yellow foreheads. The nape of their necks transforms from white to dark brown. Atlantic Brown Pelicans develop olive-brown throat pouches, while Pacific Brown Pelicans exhibit red skin in that area.
- 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 breed, migrate, or remain resident along the Pacific Coast and Atlantic Coasts of North America, extending down to northern South America.
Preferred habitats for Brown Pelicans include shallow water environments. They dwell year-round in estuaries and coastal marine habitats. They can also be observed on mangrove islets, sandbars, breakwaters, and offshore rocks during resting periods.
Brown Pelicans possess a remarkable diving ability that sets them apart. They plunge into the depths of the ocean to capture their prey in their expandable throat pouches. Upon resurfacing, the water drains from their pouches, enabling them to promptly swallow their catch.
Their diet primarily consists of fish species like sardines and herring. When not diving, they casually swim and seize prey using their bills. Additionally, they may consume crustaceans such as prawns, amphibians, eggs, and other young birds.
In terms of vocalizations, adult Brown Pelicans are generally quiet, emitting occasional grunts. However, juveniles vocalize with squawks as a means of begging for food.
Brown Pelicans typically construct their nests on the ground, favoring locations such as islands, mangroves, and cliffs. The female builds the nest using reeds, leaves, pebbles, sticks, and soil for reinforcement. Within the nest, the female lays two to four eggs, which are diligently incubated by both parents for approximately one month.
Fun Fact: Brown Pelicans employ their webbed feet to cover and incubate their eggs. However, this practice posed a significant threat to the species when the pesticide DDT caused thinning of the eggshells, leading to breakage under the weight of the parent’s feet. Extensive conservation efforts were necessary to restore Brown Pelican populations.