Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Habitat
American white pelicans nest inland on isolated islands in lakes and rivers. Their breeding grounds are found predominantly in the Northern Great Plains and southern Canada. In the United States, one of their larger breeding grounds is in Minnesota. They are also found in Wisconsin along the Mississippi River, and around the Green Bay area. These pelicans feed in shallow lakes, rivers, and marshes. In September, these pelicans leave their nesting grounds and head south. During the winter, they are usually found in warm, coastal marine habitats in protected bays and estuaries, such as the Lower Mississippi Valley and the Gulf of Mexico.
Visit the adaptation page to learn about the interesting characteristics of the American white pelican that are key to its survival.