American White Pelican

Description:

White pelicans are usually silent, only grunting or croaking on nesting grounds. They are social and gregarious birds, and travel in flocks. It is common to see them hanging out together on the rocks. They eat fish and crayfish but will also eat amphibians. They feed both in the day and at night. Sometimes they are often found cooperating and feeding with Double-Crested Cormorants. When the cormorants dive for fish, the fish will head towards the surface where the white pelican waits to scoop them up. Although clumsy on land, they are agile in the air and have a soaring flight; they hold their heads drawn back and alternate flapping and guiding. You might notice them wheeling in wide circles high in the air.

Habitat:

Three of a small flock flying into one of the ponds at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge: http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/inde...