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Birds of Zihuatanejo

CLASS AVES

-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Chordates (Phylum Chordata)

-Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata)

-Birds (Class Aves)

-Pelicans, Herons, Ibises, and Allies (Order Pelecaniformes)

-Pelicans (Family Pelecanidae)

-Pelicans (Genus Pelecanus)

-​American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)


The American White Pelican inhabits large lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and coastal marshes. These large birds are often seen in flocks soaring through the sky in search of food. They are easily recognizable by their bright white feathers, black wingtips, and massive orange bills. These pelicans feed on fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic life, scooping them up in their giant beaks. One of the largest birds in North America, with an up to 9-foot wingspan.

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

Diet

  • Primarily fish, including carp, minnows, suckers, shad, and other freshwater species.

  • Also feeds on crayfish, salamanders, frogs, and occasionally aquatic insects.

  • Unlike the Brown Pelican, it does not plunge-dive. Instead, it swims cooperatively in groups to herd fish into shallow water before scooping them up with its large bill and throat pouch.

Range

  • Breeds in the interior of western and central North America, from southern Canada through the north-central United States.

  • Winters along the Pacific, Gulf, and Atlantic coasts, as well as inland lakes and wetlands from the southern United States through Mexico and into Central America.

  • A common winter visitor to the Zihuatanejo region, where it is found in coastal lagoons, estuaries, bays, sheltered beaches, reservoirs, and large inland wetlands.

  • Present mainly from October through April.

Male vs. Female

  • Male: Brilliant white plumage with black flight feathers visible in flight, enormous orange-yellow bill, orange legs, and a large fibrous bill "horn" during the breeding season. Slightly larger than the female.

  • Female: Similar in appearance but generally smaller with a shorter bill and a less prominent breeding horn.

  • Juveniles: White with greyish-brown wash on the head and neck and a duller bill.

  • Sexes cannot be reliably distinguished in the field except by size and the larger breeding bill horn of males.

Size

  • Length: 127–165 cm (50–65 in)

  • Wingspan: 244–290 cm (96–114 in)

  • Weight: 4.5–9.0 kg (10–20 lb)

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