Breeding adult. Photo: Kenton Gomez/Audubon Photography Awards
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
| Conservation status | Colonies are vulnerable to disturbance and habitat loss. Total population probably declined through first half of 20th century, substantial increase since 1970s. |
|---|---|
| Family | Pelicans |
| Habitat | Lakes, marshes, salt bays. In breeding season mostly inland, nesting on isolated islands in lakes and feeding on shallow lakes, rivers, marshes. Feeding areas may be miles from nesting sites. Also breeds locally on coastal islands. Flocks in migration stop on lakes, rivers. Winters mainly along coast, on shallow, protected bays and estuaries, also on large lakes in warm climates. |
Forages by swimming on surface, dipping bill into water and scooping up fish in pouch. During breeding season does much foraging at night, locating fish by touch during frequent dipping of bill; by day, probably locates prey visually. May forage cooperatively, lining up and driving fish toward shallower water.
mostly fish. Primarily eats "rough" fish of little value to humans; also crayfish, salamanders.
Audubon’s scientists have used 140 million bird observations and sophisticated climate models to project how climate change will affect this bird’s range in the future.
Zoom in to see how this species’s current range will shift, expand, and contract under increased global temperatures.
Choose a temperature scenario below to see which threats will affect this species as warming increases. The same climate change-driven threats that put birds at risk will affect other wildlife and people, too.
Reabrir la Planta Desaladora de Yuma—con su tecnología antigua—demasiado caro y demasiado dañino
Seven extraordinary examples of birds that figured out how to let the wind do the work for them.
Reopening the Yuma Desalting Plant—with its ancient technology—too expensive and too damaging.
The Salton Sea is one of the most important places for birds in North America and is in danger of losing its ecological value. If it does, we will lose a vital part of the Pacific Flyway.
Great Salt Lake, with its five globally Important Bird Areas, is drying up. Audubon works with local stakeholders to find sustainable water solutions for birds and all Utahns.
Let us send you the latest in bird and conservation news.
Visit your local Audubon center, join a chapter, or help save birds with your state program.
Membership benefits include one year of Audubon magazine and the latest on birds and their habitats. Your support helps secure a future for birds at risk.
Our email newsletter shares the latest programs and initiatives.
