American White Pelican

water birds · big birds · fish hunters · North America

Massive bill pouch. The American white pelican has one of the largest bills of any bird on Earth, with a stretchy pouch underneath that can hold up to three gallons of water. That's enough to fill a bucket.

Inland lake dwellers. These pelicans breed in the middle of North America around big lakes and rivers, not on ocean coasts like many water birds do. They live in wide open spaces far from the sea.

Amazing travelers. When winter comes, American white pelicans fly south all the way to Central America and coastal areas, then return north to breed in the spring. They cover thousands of miles each year.

Expert soarers. These huge birds are incredible flyers that soar high in the sky on rising warm air currents, barely flapping their wings. They can glide for hours without getting tired.

Teamwork hunters. American white pelicans often hunt together in groups, swimming side by side to chase fish into shallow water where they're easier to scoop up with their giant bills.