Pelicans are a regular and notable presence in Minnesota, despite the common perception that these birds exclusively inhabit coastal, saltwater environments. These visitors are among the largest birds in North America, often observed soaring high above the state’s expansive freshwater systems. Their wingspan can reach up to nine and a half feet across.
Identifying the Minnesota Pelican
The pelican species found throughout Minnesota is the American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos). Adult American White Pelicans are almost entirely snowy white, except for the black flight feathers on the outer edges of their wings, which become visible only when the bird is in flight. This coloration sets them apart from the gray and brown plumage of the Brown Pelican, which is rarely seen in the region.
The American White Pelican also possesses a large, pale orange bill, which can measure over a foot in length. Attached to the lower mandible is a gular pouch, which is used for scooping up fish and water. Contrary to popular belief, this pouch is not used to transport food over long distances, but rather as a temporary fishing net, with the bird draining the water before swallowing its catch. During the breeding season, adults develop a temporary fibrous plate, or “caruncle,” on the upper bill, which is shed after eggs are laid.
Seasonal Schedule and Critical Habitats
The American White Pelican spends its breeding and summer months in the state before migrating south. These birds typically arrive in the area during the spring, with the first major flocks appearing in March and April as the ice begins to break up on the major waterways. They remain in Minnesota throughout the summer and begin their southward migration via the Mississippi Flyway in the fall, generally departing between mid-September and mid-November.
Pelicans seek out specific types of habitat to support their large colonies and feeding needs. They prefer large, shallow freshwater lakes, marshes, and river systems that provide abundant fish populations and isolated nesting sites. One of the most significant congregation areas in the state is Marsh Lake, located in western Minnesota, which hosts one of the largest known nesting colonies in North America. Other notable nesting and feeding locations include Lake of the Woods and Red Lake in the northern part of the state, as well as areas along the Mississippi River. These locations offer the remote, predator-free islands necessary for ground-nesting.
Unique Feeding Behavior
The diet of the American White Pelican in Minnesota primarily consists of fish, including “rough” fish, as well as amphibians and aquatic invertebrates. Unlike their coastal relatives that plunge-dive from the air, the American White Pelican feeds by dipping its bill into the water from the surface. This species is not a solo hunter; its feeding strategy is a highly coordinated, social event. Groups of pelicans will often engage in cooperative feeding, a behavior where they work together to maximize their catch.
The birds will form a line or a semi-circle on the water and then begin to swim forward simultaneously. By coordinating their movements and dipping their bills, they drive schools of fish toward the shallow water or a confined area. Once the fish are cornered, the pelicans can scoop them up with their pouches before consuming the prey.