American White Pelican
There
are about ten species of pelicans distributed through out the
world, mostly confined to those countries having warm climates.
Three of the species inhabit North America.
These once-scarce pouched birds appear in Oklahoma and the
numbers have been on the increase since the 1960s. They are
often found in large flocks on reservoirs and rivers across most
of the state during migration from early February - May and
early September - November.
In 1838 Audubon gave this species the specific name American. In
writing of the naming of this species he notes: “In consequence
of this discovery, I have honored it with the name of my beloved
country, over the mighty streams of which may this splendid bird
wander free and unmolested to the most distant times, as it has
already done in the misty ages of unknown antiquity.”
Adult white pelicans, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, are one of the
largest birds weighing 16 pounds with an impressive 9-foot wing
span. One must look closely at the birds as they ride the heat
thermals on clear days to realize they are pelicans. While
flying they seem to soar in unison, each flapping their wings at
the same time while circling ever so higher. They are truly an
amazing bird to watch in flight.
Pelicans are often mistaken for snow geese, swans and whooping
cranes by the novice birder. Their distinct black primary and
outer secondary feathers are sure indicators as to what they
are. At a closer view you will notice they have a tucked neck an
orange bill, legs, and feet. The final distinguishing
characteristic is their stocky build giving them an all-together
different profile than other birds.
White pelicans fish in groups by floating atop the water. They
use their feet and wings to corral fish. Instead of diving they
simply dip their heads below the surface to troll for rough fish
such as gizzard shad. They scoop the fish up in their elastic
pouch. Most feeding takes place during the early morning and
early evening hours. An average. pelican will consume three
pounds of fish per day.
Pelicans nest in colonies on sandbars, islands, and since the
peninsulas in remote, undisturbed areas. Their breeding range
extends from the prairies of Canada into the mountain states, to
the Gulf Coast of Texas and Mexico. Preferred nesting habitats
are islands, especially those associated with fresh water lakes.
They forage primarily in shallow lakes, marshlands, and rivers.
Birds that are mature enough to reproduce will develop “nuptial
tubercles,” or large ridges on top of their bills, and
ornamental plumes atop their head. Once chick feeding begins,
the ridges fall off and the birds develop black feathers on the
back of the head. Their eye color also changes from dark to
light as their breeding status changes.
Nests are built as ground depressions lined with dried
vegetation. Pelicans lay an average of two eggs and incubate
them using their feet since they don’t have the typical “brood
patch” of bare skin on the belly. White pelican chicks hatch
helpless, with homely, orange skin. They eat by digging digested
food out of the adult’s pouch. As chicks mature, they join a
“pod” or “gang” and feed in large groups until they are ready to
fly at about 10 weeks.
Avid bird watchers and novice bird watchers alike flock to the
Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge every September to
participate in their week long Pelican celebration.
Approximately 50,000-70,000 White Pelicans use the Salt Plains
as a rest stop during their fall migration. It is an incredible
site that everyone should see at least once.