White pelicans are large waterbirds that live throughout much of the United States. Here is an overview of where white pelicans can be found in the different regions of the US.
The West
Many white pelicans live in the western United States. Some of the key states where they can be found include:
- California – White pelicans breed at places like the Salton Sea and inhabit wetlands throughout the state.
- Oregon – Nesting colonies occur at places like Malheur Lake.
- Nevada – Sites like Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge host breeding colonies.
- Utah – Breeding habitats can be found at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.
- Idaho – Nesting sites occur at locations like Lake Walcott.
- Wyoming – Pathfinder National Wildlife Refuge contains breeding colonies.
Some of the most sizeable breeding colonies occur along the Pacific Coast and in the interior lakes and marshes of the West. Many white pelicans that breed further north migrate down the Pacific Coast to spend the winter in California and Mexico.
The Midwest
White pelicans inhabit many wetlands and lakes in the Midwestern United States. Key states where they occur include:
- North Dakota – Sites like Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge have breeding colonies.
- South Dakota – Breeding habitats can be found at Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge.
- Nebraska – Nesting occurs at locations like Valentine National Wildlife Refuge.
- Minnesota – Major breeding colonies exist at marshlands like Marsh Lake.
- Iowa – Some breeding happens at lakes like Storm Lake.
- Wisconsin – Horicon Marsh contains a nesting colony.
The prairie pothole lakes and marshes scattered throughout the Great Plains states harbor the majority of white pelicans that nest in the Midwest. These inland habitats hold thousands of breeding birds.
The South
Most white pelicans in the southern United States are migrants passing through rather than year-round residents. But some breeding does occur in a few areas, mostly coastal sites, including:
- Louisiana – Small colonies nest on islands at places like Marsh Island.
- Texas – Breeding may occasionally happen at sites like Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge along the coast.
- Florida – Nesting is rare but has happened at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
The largest concentrations of white pelicans in the South occur during the winter, when birds that bred further north migrate down the Mississippi Flyway or along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.
The Northeast
White pelicans are very rare in the northeastern United States. They may occasionally appear during migration at major wetlands like:
- Delaware – Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.
- New Jersey – Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.
- New York – Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.
But these sightings are irregular and white pelicans do not breed in the Northeast.
Year-Round, Summer, Winter Ranges
Here is a more detailed breakdown of where white pelicans occur during different times of year:
Year-Round Range
White pelicans can be found year-round in the following states:
- California
- Nevada
- Utah
- Idaho
- Oregon
- Washington
- Montana
Even in these states, the specific locations inhabited during summer breeding and winter months may differ.
Summer Breeding Range
In summer, white pelicans nest in colonies scattered across these states:
- Oregon
- California
- Nevada
- Utah
- Idaho
- Montana
- Wyoming
- Colorado
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Nebraska
- Minnesota
- Iowa
- Wisconsin
Winter Range
During winter, white pelicans shift southward and can be found in these states:
- California
- Nevada
- Utah
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Texas
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Alabama
- Georgia
- South Carolina
- North Carolina
- Florida
They often occur in Mexico and along the Gulf Coast in the largest numbers during winter.
Key Breeding Colonies
Some of the most significant breeding colonies of white pelicans occur at these wetland sites:
Location | Estimated # of Breeding Birds |
---|---|
Chase Lake NWR, North Dakota | Over 20,000 |
Marsh Lake, Minnesota | Over 10,000 |
Blackfoot Reservoir, Idaho | Over 10,000 |
Malheur NWR, Oregon | 5,000-10,000 |
Pyramid Lake, Nevada | 5,000-10,000 |
Gunnison Island, Utah | 5,000-10,000 |
Medicine Lake NWR, Montana | 5,000-10,000 |
Lower Klamath NWR, California | 5,000-10,000 |
These large colonies represent key breeding habitats that allow the overall white pelican population to thrive.
Conclusion
In summary, white pelicans inhabit wetlands and lakes across much of the western and midwestern United States during breeding season. The largest concentrations nest in prairie marshes and coastal sites. During winter, most of the population migrates south to the southern US, Mexico, and California. A few isolated colonies exist in coastal areas of the South. White pelicans remain year-round in the West, but may shift locations between breeding and wintering grounds. Protecting large breeding colonies and migration and wintering habitats remains crucial for conserving white pelicans across North America.