American White Pelican

Recognition
At 5’ in length and with a wing span of 8-9’, these pelicans are about 25% larger than the Brown pelican and are often seen on lakes or lagoons in small numbers. They are white in color and have yellow legs and a yellow bill. In flight they often fly in a V-formation (similar to geese.  The edges of their wings are black in color.

Where seen
Sometimes on passage at the Ding Darling Reserve on Sanibel. Sometimes seen at the boat ramp on Pine Island.

Jimmy’s notes
If the pelican is seen diving from the air to feed, then it is definitely not an American white pelican but an American brown pelican.