Bird of the Month · October 2026
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
American White Pelican
American White Pelicans have always been one of our favorite birds to watch in the wild. They are famous for their large beaks and enormous wingspan.
We are so excited for our next bird of the month. American White Pelicans have always been one of our favorite birds to watch in the wild. They are famous for their large beaks and enormous wingspan, which make them hard not to watch.
The Great Salt Lake hosts up to 18,000 American White Pelicans during peak migration season. This is a lake close to where my family lives. Not only can American White Pelicans be seen at the Great Salt Lake but throughout the intermountain west, making them a favorite bird throughout many National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges. However, American White Pelicans are not free from harm. Not only could American White Pelicans be impacted due to habitat loss, but their migration could be impacted due to the evaporation of the Great Salt Lake. This month, not only will the proceeds from our sales of American White Pelicans images go to migratory birds but also to the preservation of the Great Salt Lake.
Sincerely,
The Crandalls
The Great Salt Lake hosts up to 18,000 American White Pelicans during peak migration season. This is a lake close to where my family lives. Not only can American White Pelicans be seen at the Great Salt Lake but throughout the intermountain west, making them a favorite bird throughout many National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges. However, American White Pelicans are not free from harm. Not only could American White Pelicans be impacted due to habitat loss, but their migration could be impacted due to the evaporation of the Great Salt Lake. This month, not only will the proceeds from our sales of American White Pelicans images go to migratory birds but also to the preservation of the Great Salt Lake.
Sincerely,
The Crandalls
American White Pelican at a glance
Height
Around 4-5.8 feet
Wingspan
8-10 feet
Habitat
American White Pelicans live in shallow wetlands, coastal bays, or estuaries (coastal bodies of water where rivers and streams mix with salt water from the oceans)
Nesting
American White Pelicans nest typically in sand or gravel on the ground
Eggs
American White Pelicans typically lay 2-3 eggs with an incubation period of 28-30 days. They spend 3-4 weeks in the nest before venturing out and learning to fly
Food
American White Pelicans typically eat fish. However, they sometimes also eat tadpoles, salamanders, and crayfish
Voice
American White Pelicans are typically quiet. When they do make noise, it can be described as a grunt or croak
Migration
American White Pelicans are a migratory bird. They migrate seasonally between northern breeding grounds and southern wintering areas
Fun facts
Pelicans use their beak and pouch to catch their prey, which can hold up to 3 gallons of water
Why conservation
American White Pelicans are vulnerable due to habitat loss. There has been an increase in population after their initial decline in the 20th century. However, without further protection they could have a more significant loss in the future
Drifting Watercolor Print
Pelican Sunset Watercolor Print