What does the American White Pelican eat?

The American White Pelican's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Carnivore (primarily fish)

How it forages

Primarily piscivorous. Unlike Brown Pelicans, they do not plunge-dive. Instead, they typically feed cooperatively in groups, herding fish into shallow water by dipping their bills and scooping them up. They can also feed solitarily. Their diet consists mainly of rough fish species like carp, minnows, and suckers, but also includes salamanders and crayfish.

When it feeds

Diurnal

Explore the American White Pelican