General Description: American White Pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) are very large birds (wingspan to over 9 feet) with an enormous bill and stretchy skin at the base of the bill that can expand to form a pouch when feeding. White Pelicans are white overall with black wingtips. In adults, bill is yellow. In juveniles, the bill is dark. During the breeding season, adults grow a keel on the top of the bill. Compare with Brown Pelicans.

Favored Habitat: Lakes and rivers, also coastal areas.

Where to Find: Look for American White Pelicans during fall and winter at Lake Mead.

Comments: White Pelicans feed by dipping their long bill into the water to scoop up fish. In contrast, Brown Pelicans generally feed by diving head first into the water, although they sometimes dip their bills too.