Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

(Gmelin, 1789)

Vernacular names
English : American white pelican
French : Pélican d’Amérique

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Pelecaniformes
Family : Pelecanidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Body length up to 178 cm for a weight of 8.5 kg, wingspan of 299 cm. Entirely white plumage with black flight feathers. Small crest behind head. Bright orange bill with a conspicuous knob. Bright yellow bare skin area around eyes.

Range and habitat
Breeds in south-west and South-central Canada, and western USA. Winters in Southern USA and from Mexico to Panama. Lives in rivers, lakes, estuaries and coasts, mostly near freshwater.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is common and widespread. Vulnerable to persecution, disturbance, destruction of habitat and presence of West-Nile virus.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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