When we talk about majestic birds, the white pelican definitely steals the spotlight! These large water birds are truly breathtaking. They measure between 140 to 175 centimeters in length, making them one of the biggest flying birds we can spot.
Their bodies look short and stout, but their necks are long and slender, giving them a graceful appearance when they move. Covered almost entirely in white feathers, they look incredibly elegant under the sun.
What really catches our eye is their huge beak — straight, strong, and colored a soft lead-blue. Underneath the beak, there's a noticeable orange-yellow pouch, which makes them even more fascinating. During breeding season, we can spot a bunch of long, narrow white feathers forming a crown on the back of their heads, giving them a bit of a royal look. Their eyes are placed in pinkish-yellow facial patches, standing out sharply against the white. If we look closely, we’ll also notice some yellow, lance-shaped feathers on their chests.
Wings That Tell a Story
As for their wings, the story gets even more interesting. The primary and secondary feathers are mainly blackish-brown inside, with a striking white shaft. On the outside, the secondary feathers are bright white, and sometimes, this white color stretches onto the inside parts too. Adding a soft touch, their heads, necks, and the fancy crown feathers often get dusted with a faint pinkish-yellow shade, which can also spread to the upper back and shoulders.
Their beaks are mainly lead-blue, but the tips and the edges glow red — a subtle but beautiful detail. Their legs show a healthy, fleshy color that matches their lively spirit. For young pelicans, the story changes a little — their heads, necks, the middle of their backs, and their underparts stay white, while some parts are shaded with reddish-brown. The rest of their feathers lean toward a soft brown, edged with lighter tones. Their flight and tail feathers are darker, and the big coverts show a lovely silvery-gray finish.
How to Tell Them Apart from Similar Birds
We might sometimes confuse them with the Dalmatian pelican at first glance. But here’s a tip for us Lykkers: Dalmatian pelicans are even bigger, their beaks are gray instead of blue, their throat pouches are a vivid red, and their legs show a blackish-gray tone. Plus, their overall feathers look grayer, and when they fly, only the wingtips are black underneath — quite different from the strong contrast we see in the white pelican!
Where Do They Live?
White pelicans love calm, wide spaces. They mainly hang around lakes, rivers, coastal areas, and wetlands. These peaceful spots give them plenty of room to swim, fish, and rest. If we dream of seeing them in the wild, we should definitely look for open water and marshy places — that's their happy zone.
What Are Their Daily Habits?
White pelicans are real team players! They often live and move in groups, making them a wonderful sight when they fly together across the sky or float side by side on the water. They are excellent fliers — when we watch them in the air, their heads tuck back, and their necks form a gentle S-shape. Their wingbeats are slow but powerful, creating a calm yet commanding presence.
What's even cooler is that they can glide and soar like eagles, riding warm air currents to stay aloft without much effort. Though they don’t fly as high as eagles, their smooth, graceful flight is a beauty on its own. When swimming, they usually hold their necks in a Z-shape and sometimes let out a rough, hoarse call that echoes over the water.
What's on the Menu?
When it comes to food, white pelicans are true fish lovers. Their main meals are made up of different types of fish, which they skillfully catch with their big pouches. Watching them scoop up fish is like seeing nature’s fisherman in action — it's a must-see moment if we ever get the chance!
At the end of the day, white pelicans are a stunning reminder of nature’s beauty and grace. From their snowy feathers to their powerful flight, they give us countless reasons to admire and protect the natural world.
Lykkers, have you ever seen a white pelican up close? If not, would you like to? Let's share our thoughts and maybe plan a nature trip together someday!
Pelican's Fishing Fail | Earth's Great Rivers | BBC Earth
Video by BBC Earth
