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American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)
| Scientific Classification | |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Pelecaniformes |
| Family: | Pelecanidae |
| Species: | Pelecanus erythrorhynchos |
| Common: | American white pelican |
The American white pelican is a large waterbird that breeds inland on lakes throughout the northern Great Plains and mountain west of North America. It moves to the coasts and South as far as Central America in the winter.
Identification
Adults
Adult male and female American white pelican are similar in appearance. Males being slightly larger. They are a large white waterbird with long bill and extensible pouch. Legs are short, feet webbed. Wings are long and broad, with black trailing edge which are hardly visible except in flight. The tail is short.
Immature
Immature birds are similar to the adults, but with dirty grayish markings on head and back.
Gallery
American white pelican
Bridgeport, California (2010)
American white pelican
Bridgeport, California (2010)
Related Page Hierarchy
Kingdom: Animalia (animals)Class: Aves (birds)Order: Pelecaniformes (pelicans)Family: Pelecanidae (pelicans)American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)