Rare Species Guide

  Basis for Listing

The American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) occurs across North America. By the 1960s, it had experienced a range-wide decline of 30-70%, attributed to fluctuating water levels, human disturbance, persecution, contaminants, and other risk factors. Subsequent protections helped greatly increase total populations through the ensuing decades. Although total population estimates are difficult to obtain, the species is considered to be stable or increasing. Although clustered in relatively few breeding colonies, observations of non-breeding pelicans are common in Minnesota (Pfannmuller et al. 2017; Van Tatenhove et al. 2025; NatureServe 2025). The species’ Minnesota history largely mirrors continental trends with increases considered as recolonization of its former range, yet still vulnerable to decline (Wires et al. 2005; NatureServe 2025). Since 1984, it’s been listed in Minnesota as a special concern species (Pfannmuller et al. 2017).

  Description

The American White Pelican is one of Minnesota's largest birds, with a wingspan considerably larger than Bald Eagles (8-9 ft. [2.4-2.7m] versus 6-7.5 ft. [1.8-2.3m]). Its size, white plumage, black wing tips and outer secondaries, and massive orange bill with an enormous pouch distinguish it from any other species. The sexes are similar in coloration. Although awkward on land, pelicans are graceful in flight and often observed soaring in large flocks. (Van Tatenhove et al. 2025 ). 

  Habitat

Nesting pelicans typically select large shallow lakes both in treeless and forested areas. They nest on the ground, usually on flat, mostly bare islands, isolated from predators and human disturbance. They may also nest beneath trees and shrubs (Van Tatenhove et al. 2025). Rarely, they nest on mainland sites adjacent to lakes or wetlands. In Minnesota, this occurred when prolonged high-water levels reduced available nesting space on the nearby colony island (Pfannmuller et al. 2017).  Nevertheless, natural wet and dry cycles benefit pelicans by sustaining key habitat conditions and aquatic prey. The larger landscape surrounding breeding sites is important for foraging, typically on shallow lakes, wetlands, and rivers with abundant prey (Van Tatenhove et al. 2025). 

  Biology / Life History

Migrating American White Pelicans usually begin arriving in southern Minnesota as lake ice thaws in spring (often mid- to late March) with later arrivals farther north. (MOU 2025). Southward migration is triggered as lakes and rivers freeze in the breeding range. Minnesota breeders overwinter in the Gulf of Mexico. Timing of migration and other life cycle events may shift with climate change (Sovada et al. 2014).

Pelicans are gregarious when breeding, foraging, and loafing (Van Tatenhove et al. 2025). On their breeding territory, they forage in shallow water on lakes, wetlands, or rivers that may be over 50 km (31 mi.) from their nesting islands. They tip up and dip their bills to feed, commonly foraging cooperatively. They predominantly eat smaller food items comprised mainly of fish typically considered undesirable for human consumption or sport. Crayfish and salamanders are also important foods. Pelicans are opportunistic and may forage on sport fish when numbers are high; however, these generally do not comprise a large proportion of their diets nor have population-level effects on sport fisheries (Van Tatenhove et al. 2025). Wires and Cuthbert (2003) discuss fish-depredation that may occur at hatchery or commercial fish farming operations and provide recommendations.

Adult American White Pelicans begin breeding when they are three to five years old and are monogamous within a given breeding season (Clark and DiMatteo 2018, Van Tatenhove et al. 2025). Dense nesting colonies are mainly located on islands, which may also be occupied by other waterbird species. Pelican colonies can consist of thousands of birds (Van Tatenhove et al. 2025). One brood is produced per breeding season. A clutch of two eggs is common, usually laid about two days apart. Chick growth and development are highly variable. Asynchronous hatching is typical, resulting in a mix of eggs, small and large chicks co-occurring within a colony. Parents brood nestlings for about 17-25 days. When unattended, chicks huddle together for warmth, forming a pod or creche for protection from predators. Young walk from the nest at about 26 days and fly after 62-63 days in late August to early September. Van Tatenhove et al. (2025) provide in-depth life history details.

  Conservation / Management

Minnesota has a limited number of suitable lakes with islands favorable for pelican nesting. Range wide, the largest American White Pelican colonies are characterized by stable, suitable habitats with minimal disturbance. Loss or degradation of limited breeding sites and foraging habitat are considered key limiting factors. Pelican colonies tend to relocate when a site becomes unsuitable. Widespread permanent flooding or drainage are concerns. High water can destroy pelican nests, reduce available nesting areas, and degrade foraging habitat while lower water levels may allow mammalian predators and humans greater access to nesting islands (Van Tatenhove et al. 2025). DiMatteo et al. (2015) discussed implications of spring water levels on pelican production, which can help inform active water level management that accommodates pelican colonies.  Moreno-Matiella and Anderson (2005) discuss potential options of temporary nest protection and enhancement of nesting islands. Breeding pelicans are highly sensitive to disturbance, a common cause of colony desertion, particularly during courtship and at the beginning of incubation. During later incubation and brooding, adults may leave eggs or young unattended if disturbed, resulting in their greater exposure to storms, temperature fluctuations, or predation. Motorboats and low-flying planes are common disturbances. (Van Tatenhove et al. 2025) Disturbance to pelicans also occurs during permitted control of co-occurring Double-crested Cormorants (Nannopterum auritum). Increasing pelican numbers can mean more opportunities for conflicts. Despite some public concern whether pelicans affect sport fish populations, population-level negative impacts are unsupported by research (Van Tatenhove et al. 2025). Illegal killing by humans remains a key source of pelican morality and has been documented  in Minnesota (Pfannmuller et al. 2017; Van Tatenhove et al. 2025).

Minnesota pelican populations also face threats beyond our borders. Most of Minnesota’s pelicans overwinter in the Gulf of Mexico. The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf exposed American White Pelicans to chemicals harmful to birds at multiple life-stages. Testing documented contaminant residues linked to this spill in adult pelicans and their eggs in Minnesota; evidence that these adults were exposed while in the Gulf. Long-term effects of contaminant exposure have not been ruled out (Leighton 1993; Clark 2016; MNDNR 2015)

More frequent extreme weather events, larger-scale changes in temperature and precipitation, and shifting pelican phenology (i.e. the timing and cyclical patterns of their annual life cycle) could combine to increase pelican mortality and reduce productivity (Sovada et al. 2014). An analysis of potential climate change impacts on this species predicted a 91% loss of its current summer breeding range from 2000 to 2080 (Langham et al. 2015; National Audubon Society 2016). Although pelican nesting populations have increased, suitable climate for their summering range is forecast to shift dramatically northward and shrink. Their wintering range is also predicted to shift. Research is needed to better understand whether pelicans can adapt to climate change in Minnesota and throughout their range.

Increased incidence and severity of infectious disease is a concern (NatureServe 2025). West Nile Virus and Newcastle Disease are associated with large pelican die-offs, including in Minnesota (Rocke et al. 2005). Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza  is an emerging concern.

  Conservation Efforts in Minnesota

There have been numerous surveys and in-depth studies of pelican colonies in Minnesota, including long-term banding studies and collaborative monitoring efforts between the Minnesota DNR and universities.

Ground surveys of all nests are rarely justified, given aerial surveys are accurate and less disruptive (Van Tatenhove et al. 2025). Drone surveys, used with caution, may also be an option (Cuthbert and Smith 2020). If ground surveys are needed due to obscuring tree cover, the following conditions must be met: gulls are not present, visits are less than one hour, nesting is well underway, but chicks are not yet mobile, weather is mild, and handling is avoided or minimal (Wires et al. 2005, Van Tatenhove et al. 2025). Bracey et al. (2021) offer monitoring recommendations. Public reports of new  breeding colony location inform monitoring plans and may be submitted online to MNDNR.

The American White Pelican has been identified as a “stewardship species” for Minnesota because a significant proportion of its global population breeds in the state.(Pfannmuller 2012). Further, some of its breeding colonies occur within identified Minnesota Important Bird Areas (IBA). These are voluntary and non-regulatory designations,  yet still valuable for highlighting a site’s value for birds to help focus conservation (National Audubon Society 2025).

Project proposers are encouraged to pre-screen for rare, sensitive features like waterbird colonies via the Minnesota Conservation Explorer to help inform management and development. Private landowners experiencing pelican issues on their property are encouraged to contact the DNR for guidance regarding legal, nonlethal means of discouraging pelicans from establishing nests in areas that are unsuitable. 

  Authors/Revisions

 Lisa A. Gelvin-Innvaer (MNDNR), 2025

 (Note: all content ©MNDNR) 

  References and Additional Information

Evans, R. M., and F. L. Knopf. 1993. American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos). Number 57 in A. Poole and F. Gill, editors. The birds of North America. The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

NatureServe. 2008. NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life [web application]. Version 7.0. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. . Accessed 9 June 2008.

Roberts, T. S. 1932. The birds of Minnesota. Volume 1. University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 691 pp.

Wires, L. R., K. V. Haws, and F. J. Cuthbert. 2005. The Double-crested Cormorant and American White Pelican in Minnesota: a statewide status assessment. Final report submitted to the Nongame Wildlife Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 28 pp.