AmerWhPelican

American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

One of the largest birds in North America, it has a 9 foot wingspan. It is found fishing in large groups of often 12 or more. They move as if to a symphony of synchronized motion, in rows all dipping and lifting their heads together in unison. By lining up they drive fish closer to shallow water. Or they will form a circle to enclose the fish and all dipping together they capture their prey by touch.

Predominately a bird of inland lakes and marshes, and salt bays it breeds in west and central North America and nests in colonies usually on open bare soil. Colonies are vulnerable to disturbance and habitat loss and suffered serious decline through the first half of the 20th century, but have been increasing since the 1970’s.

12x18 Canvas $125

16x24 Canvaas $200