Also known as: White Pelican, Rough-billed Pelican
The American White Pelican is a large seabird that lives in North America. These big white birds breed across much of the central U.S. and into Canada. They winter across the southwest and American southeast, including Florida, and through much of Central America.
American White Pelicans, like other species of pelican, have enormous bills which are flat on top and have a soft sac along the bottom. These birds feed by catching prey, typically fish, as they swim. They often feed together in cooperative groups. Males and females look alike, though males are typically larger in size.
The gape of a bird's beak might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about our feathered friends, but it’s an incredibly important feature that plays a vital role in their survival. Let's delve into what the gape is, why it matters, and some... Read more »