American White Pelican

Description

White Pelicans do not dive for fish like Brown Pelicans, but instead dip their heads underwater and scoop up fish in their enormous bills. They will sometimes fish cooperatively. When fish are plentiful, several individuals will “corral” fish into a circle.  They then dip their heads simultaneously under the water to catch the fish.

White Pelican nests on lakes in the Northern Great Plains and in scattered locations in the western mountain states.  In winter, they are found in California, Florida, around the Gulf Coast into Mexico, along the Mississippi River, and in the larger lakes in TN.

The White Pelican, once rare in Tennessee, seems to be increasing its range in TN and is being seen in winter statewide.

Description: The huge yellow bill of the White Pelican makes it quite unmistakable. It is overall white with long, broad wings, with a black trailing edge.

Length: 62"
Wingspan: 108"
Weight: 16.4 lbs.

Similar Species: None. Occasionally confused with flying Whooping Cranes, which are extremely rare in Tennessee.

Habitat: In Tennessee, found most often in shallow bodies of water, rivers, and lake edges.

Diet: Fish

Nesting and reproduction: There are no known nesting records for this species in Tennessee.

Status in Tennessee: Increasing in numbers in Tennessee, especially in winter.

Best places to see in Tennessee: Reelfoot Lake, Kentucky, and Lake Barkley, and other large shallow bodies of water, rivers, and lake edges across the state.