American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Huge white birds with orange bills; black flight feathers stand out when the wings open.
- Bird group
- Waterfowl & waterbirds
- Where to look
- Lakes & regional wetlands
- Explore the region
- Coachella Valley bird guide
What to notice
- Huge white birds with orange bills; black flight feathers stand out when the wings open.
Where to look
Lakes & regional wetlands
When to look
Local seasonal timing is not specified in these field notes. Use the habitat clues as a starting point and check current conditions.
Next time you are outside
Huge white birds with orange bills; black flight feathers stand out when the wings open.
Habitat guidance is not a guaranteed sighting. Photographs may have been taken outside the valley.
Through the lens.
Select any photograph for a closer look. Move through the gallery with the arrows or a swipe.
This is a regional bird guide; photographs may also come from places beyond the valley. Locations are noted when available.
Know what to notice.
The American White Pelican is one of North America’s largest waterbirds (8–9 ft wingspan, 10–20 lbs). Mostly white with black flight feathers, it sports an orange bill with a breeding-season “horn.”
Explore the story: Pelicans in the Desert: How American White Pelicans Find a Meal — with Lake Cahuilla photography and an interactive feeding guide.
They migrate through desert reservoirs like the Salton Sea and Lake Mead, foraging by herding fish into shallow water. They breed in northern lakes and winter in the southern U.S. and Mexico.
They help control fish populations and signal wetland health. Their buoyancy and broad wings aid efficient flight. Though not endangered, habitat loss and pollution threaten them. Wetland protection is vital for their survival. Admired for their grace and vast range, they inspire awe among birdwatchers.
Places Seen 📍: Lake Cahuilla.
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