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With a wing span of 9 feet, White Pelicans are one of the largest birds in North America. They are very graceful fliers, often soaring in large groups, high in the sky.
At Ding Darling NWR, on Sanibel Island, FL, we saw several large flocks of American White Pelicans. During the winter, they migrate to our southern ocean coasts. However, many people are surprised to learn that these birds nest inland, in central Canada and the western United States. Minnesota is on the eastern edge of their nesting territory and we have several colonies of White Pelicans. They choose to set up their breeding colonies on small islands so their nests, which are on the ground, are protected from predators.
This pelican is beginning to show its breeding plumage. Notice the knob starting to develop on the top of its bill near the middle. This growth is found on both male and female pelicans but its purpose in the breeding process is not well known. White Pelicans also develop short, yellow plumes on their heads as part of their breeding plumage. They can be seen trailing at the back of the head on this bird.
Brad Vaughn, Alumni Relations and Bulldog Club
Dena Spangler, Director of Alumni Relations; Spring 2013
A photo by Pieter Gellings
See photo in original gallery.
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