The American White Pelican, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, is the species found in Utah, utilizing the state’s vast wetland ecosystems. Utah hosts what is historically one of North America’s largest inland breeding colonies for this species. This annual gathering and nesting cycle connects Utah’s remote islands and expansive refuges to a wide migratory path across the continent.
Identifying Utah’s Pelicans
The American White Pelican is one of the largest birds in North America. Adults possess snowy white plumage that contrasts sharply with their black flight feathers, which are visible when the bird is in flight or has its wings spread. Their wingspan can stretch up to nine feet, allowing them to soar gracefully on air currents for long distances.
A defining feature is the bright orange bill and the expandable throat pouch, which is used for scooping fish from the water’s surface. During the breeding season, both males and females develop a temporary, fibrous vertical plate on the upper part of the bill known as a nuptial knob. This unique triangular structure is shed after the birds have paired and begun nesting.
Key Habitats and Viewing Seasons
The best time to observe American White Pelicans in Utah is from late spring through early fall, April to October. During this period, the birds are present for their breeding cycle and can be seen foraging across various freshwater bodies. While their nesting sites are isolated and inaccessible to the public, the birds must travel great distances daily to find food, bringing them into view at several accessible locations.
The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, located near the northeastern shore of the Great Salt Lake, is a primary feeding and loafing area for the breeding colony. The refuge’s freshwater impoundments and marshlands provide an abundant food source. Visitors often see large groups of pelicans working together to herd and catch fish in the shallow water.
Another reliable viewing spot is the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area, which also provides extensive freshwater wetlands where pelicans forage. During their stay, pelicans are frequently seen on other large reservoirs throughout the state, including Utah Lake and Cutler Reservoir. These locations offer opportunities to watch the birds as they glide and circle high above, using thermals to conserve energy before descending to fish.
Breeding and Migration Patterns
The pelicans arrive in Utah in early March, signaling the start of their annual breeding cycle. Their decision to nest is driven by the remote, protected nature of islands within the Great Salt Lake, such as Gunnison Island, which serves as the state’s sole remaining active colony. These isolated islands offer security from terrestrial predators, a necessity for a species that nests colonially on the ground in shallow scrapes.
Breeding adults must fly long distances from their nesting colony to productive freshwater foraging areas. They primarily target non-native fish, such as carp, in the nearby freshwater deltas and refuges to feed their young. This daily commute between the remote saltwater nesting island and the freshwater feeding grounds is crucial for the colony’s success.
The birds remain in Utah through the summer and into the fall, with the southward migration beginning in October. Departure timing can be protracted, with some stragglers observed on foraging grounds as late as December, often coinciding with the freezing of northern lakes. Western populations, including those from Utah, migrate southwest to wintering grounds along the Pacific Coast of California and Mexico.
Conservation Status and Responsible Viewing
While the American White Pelican holds a global conservation status of Least Concern, the local Utah population faces ongoing challenges. The population has largely recovered from past human disturbances, but new environmental threats have emerged. The most pressing current concern is the decline in the Great Salt Lake’s water level.
Low water levels can create a land bridge from the mainland to Gunnison Island. This connection allows mammalian predators, such as coyotes, to access the breeding grounds. Efforts by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources focus on monitoring the birds and managing these threats.
Responsible viewing is achieved by maintaining a respectful distance and avoiding all activities that could disturb the birds, especially during the nesting season. The Gunnison Island colony is strictly closed to public access to protect the nesting pelicans. When observing pelicans at foraging areas like the Bear River Refuge, using binoculars or a spotting scope allows for close views. This prevents causing the birds to alter their behavior or take flight.