Skip to main content

Possible online services disruption due to Internet related outage

A worldwide technology outage is causing disruption to some State of Illinois online systems.  We are aware of this issue and are diligently working on restoration.

Attention hunters: Visit our FAQ page for information about the use of centerfire, single-shot rifles for deer hunting in Illinois. 

Governor JB Pritzker Illinois.gov Contact IDNR DNR A to Z

American white pelican

American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)
Photo © David W. Brewer

Features and Behaviors

FEATURES
An adult American white pelican stands 62 inches high. It has white feathers with black wing tips. Both sexes are similar in appearance. This bird has a long, flat, yellow-orange bill. The neck is long and has a throat pouch.

BEHAVIORS
The American white pelican is a migrant through most of Illinois. It winters in the southern United States, along the Gulf of Mexico. It breeds in the northern plains states and Canada. The American white pelican may be seen on rivers, ponds, lakes or marshes. These birds fly in lines. Its call is a long groan. The American white pelican eats crustaceans and fishes. It does not plunge to get fish, but simply scoops up fish while it is paddling on the water. These birds often work in groups to feed.

Illinois Range

Taxonomy

​Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Pelecanidae

Illinois Status: common, native