Critter Corner No. 28 – The American White Pelican by George Sly
Pelicans in Indiana? Surely not. Pelicans live near the ocean, don’t they? If you have visited Goose Pond FWA in the spring or fall, you more than likely know that yes, pelicans do indeed visit our state.
But first, let’s clarify the story. In North America there are two endemic species of pelicans. One, the brown pelican, is in fact primarily a denizen of our ocean’s coastal areas. Brown pelicans are the species commonly seen during a trip to Florida for example. Although known to have shown up in Indiana, this bird is a rare or accidental visitor to our state.
American white pelicans on the other hand are native to inland locations during their breeding season. They occur widely in the western U.S. (the Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, and California for example) and in the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
I had never seen American white pelicans in Indiana until Goose Pond FWA was established. In fact, a Google search for a range map for the species in the United States will likely show Indiana well out of their natural range. I guess no one has told the birds this! Espying the thousands of acres of wetlands from their high-altitude flight paths, the birds have found Goose Pond to their liking and nudged their migration pathway eastward. They utilize the property during both their spring and fall migrations and occur here in the hundreds. I do see them in the Gulf Coast waters of Florida during the winter. I often wonder if any of the birds I see will be making a stop at GPFWA on their way home!
Unlike brown pelicans which plunge dive for fish, American white pelicans patrol the surface and scoop fish from the water with their massive bills and throat pouches. They may fish on their own but will often hunt cooperatively by forming a semicircle and driving fish ahead of them. The prey is often snatched up with synchronized scoops of the beak from the foraging birds. The fish typically eaten are non-game species such as carp and shad. American white pelicans will also consume other aquatic prey such as crayfish, tadpoles, and salamanders.
On their breeding grounds, nesting (nests are made by scooping out a shallow depression in sand, gravel, or soil) is done in colonies. Females lay two eggs but only one chick usually survives. Often one chick bullies the other and may even kill the weaker youngster. This behavior is known as siblicide.
American white pelicans are one of our largest birds with wing spans often approaching nine feet. They are majestic in flight and travel great distances in V-formations. They are excellent soarers and often fly quite high in the sky using thermal updrafts.
American white pelicans, like any other animal, do have their predators. Chicks especially are vulnerable to coyotes, gulls, ravens, great horned owls, and bald eagles. (photo by Bill Whorrall)
If you have not enjoyed the experience of seeing these impressive birds, plan a visit to Goose Pond FWA during their migratory appearances. They are well worth the trip. Optimum times to see them are March-April and September-October. Call the Visitors Center (812-512-9185) for the latest updates regarding whether pelicans are present or not.