Chordates • Earth.com

American white pelican

(Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)

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Description

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, commonly known as the American White Pelican, is a large aquatic bird that is part of the Pelecanidae family. It is found in North America, primarily in the western and central parts of the continent. This bird is one of the largest birds in North America, and it is easily distinguishable by its white plumage, pink bill, and large wingspan. In this article, we will discuss the American White Pelican in detail, covering its physical characteristics, behavior, habitat, diet, reproduction, and conservation status. Physical Characteristics: The American White Pelican is a large bird, measuring about 4 to 5 feet in length, with a wingspan of 8 to 9 feet. Its weight varies from 7 to 20 pounds, with males being slightly larger than females. The plumage of this bird is mostly white, with black primary feathers visible in flight. The head and neck of the American White Pelican are also white, with a distinctive pinkish-orange bill that is long and flat. During the breeding season, the bill turns bright yellow, and a small, fibrous plate grows on the upper mandible. Behavior: The American White Pelican is a gregarious bird that is often found in large flocks. It is also a social bird that communicates through a variety of vocalizations, including grunts, growls, hisses, and bill-clapping. During the breeding season, these birds form breeding colonies, where they engage in elaborate courtship displays that involve head-bobbing, wing-flapping, and bill-pumping. The American White Pelican is a non-migratory bird, but it may travel long distances in search of food. Habitat: The American White Pelican is found in a variety of aquatic habitats, including lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas. It is a resident bird in North America, and its range extends from Canada to Mexico. The American White Pelican prefers shallow freshwater habitats, but it can also be found in brackish water and saltwater environments. Diet: The American White Pelican is a piscivorous bird that feeds primarily on fish. It catches fish by plunging its head underwater, scooping up fish in its pouch-like bill, and then draining the water from its bill. This bird also feeds on crustaceans, amphibians, and insects. The American White Pelican is a cooperative feeder, and it often feeds in groups, herding fish into shallow water and then scooping them up in unison. Reproduction: The American White Pelican breeds in colonies that may contain hundreds or thousands of birds. These birds breed in late spring and early summer, with courtship displays beginning as early as February. The female lays 1 to 3 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 30 days. The chicks hatch covered in downy feathers and are fed by both parents for about 2 months. The American White Pelican reaches sexual maturity at around 3 to 4 years of age. Conservation Status: The American White Pelican is currently classified as a species of "Least Concern" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. This means that its population is considered stable, and there are no immediate threats to its survival. However, the American White Pelican's populations can be impacted by habitat loss, disturbance, and pollution, and conservation efforts are ongoing to protect and restore wetland habitats and reduce human disturbance and the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals that can affect the bird's food sources. It is essential to continue monitoring the American White Pelican's populations and addressing any threats that may arise to ensure that this bird remains a thriving part of North America's ecosystem.

Taxonomic tree:

Domain:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum:
Class: Aves
Order:Pelecaniformes
Family:Pelecanidae
Genus:Pelecanus
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