Pelicans not just surrounded by tropical sights, sounds
May 6, 2001

The thought of pelicans brings to mind balmy Florida sea breezes and tropical sounds. But these interesting birds are not confined to the south by any means! Last week, we received a call from Terry Paulow, the manager of Collins Marsh state wildlife area, informing us that a flock of White Pelicans was being seen there.

While they are not common here, it is certainly not beyond question that they should wander this way. They have been seen in year's past on both the East and West Twin Rivers---once from the observation room at the Woodland Dunes Marsh Haus.

The American White Pelican is one of two pelican species found in the United States. The Brown Pelican is a maritime bird, and is indeed found along the southern seacoasts. The White Pelican, while it winters along the Gulf and Baja coasts actually breeds on lakes and marshes in the western U.S. and Canadian prairies. They are typically found as far east as Minnesota, and have regularly traveled to Wisconsin, with most observations coming from the western counties.

There are a few birds with which a White Pelican can be confused, they are very large white birds with black wing-tips.

They are much larger than snow geese, and lack the graceful long necks of Tundra Swans. Like Herons, they fly with their necks folded (probably a matter of balance due to the size and weight of their head and bill) with the chin resting on the chest.

Their most notable field mark is probably their huge orange bill of the classic pelican design. Breeding birds in season also develop a small bony plate on the top of their bill.

They are colonial nesters. From a few to several hundred birds may congregate on an island to nest. Both parents incubate the eggs, and the young are ready to fly in about 60 days after hatching.

A pelican's diet is chiefly fish, and fortunately rough fish are the major part (finally, something that relishes carp!). Their population is impacted mainly by the draining of wetlands and by persecution by people, either accidentally of intentionally. It's that time of the year; keep your eyes to the skies!