Yes, American White Pelicans do live in Minnesota. These birds are a regular and common sight across the state seasonally. While Minnesota may seem an unlikely habitat for pelicans, its abundant freshwater resources provide suitable conditions, drawing these large birds inland. Their presence is tied to their migratory patterns, making them a part of Minnesota’s diverse wildlife.
Understanding Minnesota’s Pelicans
The species observed in Minnesota is the American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos), one of North America’s largest birds. They typically measure between 50 to 70 inches in length with a wingspan that can reach up to 9.5 feet. Their plumage is almost entirely bright white, contrasted by black primary and secondary flight feathers that are particularly visible during flight. During breeding season, their large, flat bills become vivid orange, and a laterally flattened “horn” develops on the upper bill.
These pelicans are drawn to Minnesota because of its freshwater lakes and rivers, which offer feeding and nesting grounds. Unlike their brown pelican relatives, American White Pelicans do not dive for fish; instead, they catch prey while swimming on the water’s surface. They are known for their cooperative hunting strategy, where groups of a dozen or more birds work together to herd fish into shallow waters, making them easier to scoop up with their large throat pouches. Their diet consists mainly of small fish, but they are opportunistic feeders that also consume crayfish and amphibians.
Seasonal Presence and Migration
American White Pelicans are migratory birds. They arrive in the state during spring, in April or early May, as lakes begin to thaw. This arrival marks the beginning of their breeding and nesting season in the region. Minnesota serves as a breeding ground, hosting a portion of the North American population, with some estimates suggesting nearly one-quarter of the world’s American White Pelicans nest here.
Their departure from Minnesota occurs in late summer or early fall, between August and September. They winter along the Pacific and Gulf of Mexico coasts, from central California and Florida south to Costa Rica. Pelicans breeding east of the Rocky Mountains, including those from Minnesota, follow river valleys, such as the Mississippi River, towards the Gulf Coast. This seasonal movement ensures access to food resources and suitable breeding conditions throughout the year.
Where to Observe Pelicans
Pelicans in Minnesota are observed in shallow freshwater lakes, wetlands, and major river systems, which provide foraging opportunities. Marsh Lake in western Minnesota hosts the state’s largest pelican colony and a portion of the statewide breeding population. Other known nesting and viewing areas include Lake of the Woods, Leech Lake, and Minnesota Lake. These birds can be seen in large concentrations at loafing sites or while cooperatively feeding.
When observing pelicans, maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing them, especially during the nesting season. Human disturbance can cause adult pelicans to abandon their nests, leaving eggs or chicks vulnerable. The American White Pelican is listed as a Special Concern Species in Minnesota due to habitat issues and human interaction, although conservation efforts have supported their population recovery in the state since the 1960s.