American White Pelican

Photo Credit: Keith Kohl, ODFW

Overview

  • Species Common Name American White Pelican
  • Species Scientific Name Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
  • State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

Special needs

American White Pelicans need isolated and sparsely-vegetated terrestrial nesting habitat. They typically nest on islands in rivers, lakes, and freshwater marshes. They use shallow-water areas for cooperative feeding.

Limiting factors

This species' specialized nesting and foraging habitat is subject to droughts, floods, and manipulated water levels. American White Pelicans are sensitive to human disturbance and mammalian predators at nest sites. They breed in several scattered colonies in Oregon.

Conservation actions

Minimize human disturbance in nesting areas during the breeding season and in shallow-water feeding areas. Where appropriate, manage water levels to provide suitable foraging and nesting habitat.

Key reference or plan

Pacific Flyway American White Pelican Monitoring Strategy