American White Pelican look-alikes
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the American White Pelican. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Brown Pelican
Pelecanus occidentalis
Key differences
The Brown Pelican is smaller, has dark brown plumage, a white head with a dark stripe down the neck (adults), and plunge-dives for fish. It lacks the breeding horn and is primarily coastal.
Whooping Crane
Grus americana
Key differences
While also large and white, Whooping Cranes have black primary feathers (visible in flight), but also a red crown and black facial markings. They have long legs and a straight bill, and are typically found in marshes, not large open water bodies like pelicans. They fly with their necks extended, unlike pelicans.
Tundra Swan
Cygnus columbianus
Key differences
Tundra Swans are also large and white, but lack black flight feathers (except for very dark wingtips on some individuals) and have a long, graceful neck and a black bill. They are much smaller than pelicans and lack the gular pouch and breeding horn.
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