The American White Pelican in Minnesota
The American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) is a regular summer resident and migrant in Minnesota. Minnesota provides a suitable environment for these large aquatic birds due to its abundant freshwater lakes and rivers. These pelicans are found in large, shallow bodies of water that are rich in fish. Their presence in Minnesota is part of their breeding range, which extends across the interior of western North America. While once thought to have been extirpated from Minnesota, conservation efforts have led to a significant recovery in their population since the first confirmed nesting in 1968.
Where and When to Spot Them
American White Pelicans are migratory birds that arrive in Minnesota each spring and depart in the fall as lakes and rivers begin to freeze. Minnesota serves as a significant summer home, hosting over 20 percent of the North American white pelican population. They often migrate in large flocks.
These pelicans are colonial breeders, preferring isolated islands on freshwater lakes, rivers, or impoundments for nesting. Marsh Lake in Big Stone and Lac qui Parle counties is particularly notable, hosting the largest known colony in North America and contributing a significant portion of Minnesota’s breeding population. Other important nesting sites include Minnesota Lake in Faribault County, Lake of the Woods, and Red Lake in Beltrami County. Non-breeding adults are also observed on many other Minnesota lakes throughout the summer.
Unique Characteristics and Behaviors
The American White Pelican is one of North America’s largest birds, with a wingspan up to 9.5 feet (240–300 cm). Their plumage is almost entirely white, except for black flight feathers that become visible only when their wings are spread during flight. They possess a large, flat bill with a prominent throat pouch, which is vivid orange during the breeding season.
A unique feature of the American White Pelican during breeding season is the keratinous “horn” that grows on the upper part of their bill. Unlike Brown Pelicans, American White Pelicans do not dive for food. Instead, they feed by swimming on the surface, scooping up fish in their large pouch. They often engage in cooperative feeding, where groups of a dozen or more birds work together to herd fish into shallow waters, making them easier to catch.