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Animal Guide

American White Pelican

31 destinations · 16 states

Native Range
North America, with breeding populations across inland lakes and wetlands

The American white pelican is hard to appreciate fully from a distance. Up close, the huge bill and broad wings reveal just how unusual this bird is. Its bill has a stretchy pouch that can hold several gallons of water, which the pelican uses like a scoop while feeding. Unlike brown pelicans, American white pelicans usually do not plunge from the air for fish. Instead, they often work together in groups, swimming in a line and driving fish into shallow water before dipping their bills beneath the surface. Watch a flock on land too. When those enormous white wings open, the black flight feathers become clearly visible and create a striking contrast. During breeding season, adults develop a temporary bump on the upper bill that disappears afterward. At a zoo, wildlife park, or wetland, their slow movements can make them seem almost statuesque, until one suddenly takes off and reveals a wingspan that can stretch beyond nine feet.

American White Pelican

Where to see American White Pelican

31 destinations across 16 states

31 destinations

Alexandria Zoological Park

Alexandria, LA

Audubon Zoo

New Orleans, LA

Big Bear Alpine Zoo

Big Bear Lake, CA

BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo

Baton Rouge, LA

Bronx Zoo

Bronx, NY

Brookfield Zoo

Riverside, IL

Caldwell Zoo

Tyler, TX

California Living Museum

Bakersfield, CA

Cameron Park Zoo

Waco, TX

Detroit Zoo

Royal Oak, MI

Fort Worth Zoo

Fort Worth, TX

Great Plains Zoo

Sioux Falls, SD

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

Fort Walton Beach, FL

Hutchinson Zoo

Hutchinson, KS

Idaho Falls Zoo

Idaho Falls, ID

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

Kansas City, MO

Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo

Monroe, LA

Memphis Zoo

Memphis, TN

Milwaukee County Zoo

Milwaukee, WI

NEW Zoo & Adventure Park

Green Bay, WI

Pueblo Zoo

Pueblo, CO

Saint Louis Zoo

St. Louis, MO

San Antonio Zoo

San Antonio, TX

San Francisco Zoo

San Francisco, CA

Scovill Zoo

Decatur, IL

SeaWorld Orlando

Orlando, FL

Sunset Zoo

Manhattan, KS

Tracy Aviary at Liberty Park

Salt Lake City, UT

Wildlife Safari Park

Ashland, NE

Zoo Miami

Miami, FL

Zootah

Logan, UT

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