Meet Our Animals > American White Pelican
Quick Facts
Native to Along the coasts in winter; also found in large numbers in California’s Central Valley, the Salton Sea, and the Colorado River drainage of California and Arizona
Primary Diet Mostly small fish found in shallow wetlands, such as minnow, carp, and suckers
Adult Weight 11 to 20 pounds
Lifespan 12 to 30 years
Status Least Concern

American White Pelican

American white pelicans are some of the heaviest flying birds in the world. They rely on their large wings to soar great distances in large flocks. American white pelicans feed from the surface of the water, often hunting fish communally by circling their prey before plunging and scooping fish out of the water. They spend much of their time on the coasts, but they mainly breed in inland areas.

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Herb and Nada Mahler Family Aviary