Pelicans are large waterbirds that are known for their distinctive pouched bills. While they are primarily found in coastal areas, some pelican species do occasionally make their way inland and have been spotted in the state of Minnesota.
Quick Answer
Yes, pelicans can be seen in Minnesota, especially during migration seasons. The most common pelican species observed are the American White Pelican and the Brown Pelican.
American White Pelican in Minnesota
The American White Pelican is the most common pelican species that visits Minnesota. These large white birds breed in the northern plains states and Canada during the summer. Minnesota has several breeding colonies of American White Pelicans, mainly in marshy areas in the western part of the state.
After breeding season, American White Pelicans disperse more broadly across the inland United States. Many pelicans stop in Minnesota during their migration flights to and from their southern wintering grounds. Peak migration times are April-May and September-November.
Some key facts about American White Pelican migration and presence in Minnesota:
- There are an estimated 18,000 American White Pelicans that breed in Minnesota each summer across 6 different colonies.
- Large flocks of hundreds or thousands of pelicans may stop in Minnesota during migration to rest and feed in wetlands and lakes.
- Major migration stopover spots are near Detroit Lakes, Lac qui Parle Lake, and the Twin Cities.
- Some American White Pelicans overwinter in Minnesota if open water remains, but most migrate south to the Gulf Coast for winter.
Brown Pelican in Minnesota
The Brown Pelican is an unlikely visitor to Minnesota. This coastal species spends most of its time along the ocean shores of the southeastern United States and does not normally range nearly as far inland as Minnesota.
However, occasional lost and wandering Brown Pelicans do turn up in Minnesota, especially in autumn. These likely involve young birds getting off course during their first southbound migration. The Brown Pelican is Minnesota’s rarest pelican visitor.
Some key facts about Brown Pelican appearances in Minnesota:
- There have been about 60 accepted reports of Brown Pelicans in Minnesota since the 1960s.
- Most sightings are between August and October during autumn migration period.
- Prominent locations include Duluth Canal Park, Park Point, and Superior, WI which may attract wandering pelicans along Lake Superior shore.
- One young Brown Pelican stayed in Minnesota over winter 2013-2014, surviving frigid temperatures by staying on open water near power plant discharges.
Other Pelican Species
Two other pelican species, the Peruvian Pelican and the Great White Pelican, have been sighted on very rare occasions in Minnesota:
- Peruvian Pelican – A few sight records of vagrant Peruvian Pelicans, which are from coastal South America, stopping in Minnesota.
- Great White Pelican – Very rare vagrant reports from Europe, where it breeds in scattered colonies.
However, the American White Pelican and Brown Pelican account for nearly all confirmed Minnesota pelican sightings.
Pelican Migration and Vagrancy
There are a few key reasons why Minnesota sees migrant and vagrant pelicans each year:
- Juvenile pelicans may wander and get off typical migration route during their first migration south, ending up in Minnesota.
- Storms like hurricanes may blow pelicans inland away from their coastal ranges.
- Some pelicans seem to pioneer new expansion routes from coastal breeding colonies inland across North America.
Young birds dispersing from nesting areas for the first time and storms that displace birds from their normal ranges explain most of the rarer pelicans sighted in Minnesota.
Seasonal Patterns
The chances of seeing pelicans in Minnesota follow clear seasonal patterns:
- Summer – American White Pelicans breeding in colonies in western Minnesota, rarely other scattered sightings.
- Fall – Peak migration period for American White Pelicans moving through state, prime time for Brown Pelican vagrants.
- Winter – Very few records, mainly American White Pelicans overwintering on open waters.
- Spring – American White Pelicans migrating north through Minnesota to breeding grounds again.
Fall offers the best opportunity to see either common migrant American White Pelicans or rarer stray Brown Pelicans in Minnesota.
Pelican Watching Hot Spots
Here are some top places in Minnesota to spot passing pelicans:
- Park Point and Duluth Canal in Duluth along Lake Superior
- Detroit Lakes area
- Lac qui Parle Lake in Chippewa County
- Minnesota River valley wetlands
- Hydroelectric dams like Lock & Dam #1 in Minneapolis
- Nests and breeding colonies in marshy western Minnesota like Marsh Lake
Any large open waters like lakes or rivers, as well as wetland areas, are worth checking for possible pelican activity during migration periods.
Pelican Diet and Feeding
Pelicans thrust their pouched bills into the water to scoop up fish to eat. They mainly eat small fish species that travel in schools like minnows, carp, or perch. The average pelican can hold 3-4 gallons of water and fish in its bill pouch before draining the water and swallowing the fish.
During migration stopovers in Minnesota, American White Pelicans feed heavily to build up energy stores. They may congregate in groups of hundreds or thousands of birds to feed cooperatively and corral fish into shallow water for easier feeding. Pelicans roost communally as well.
Pelican Conservation Status
Both the American White Pelican and Brown Pelican have made strong recoveries after once facing threats like hunting, lack of breeding habitat, and pesticide contamination. Their populations and ranges have increased over the past 50 years with protections and habitat improvement efforts. Neither species is currently endangered.
Conclusion
In summary, Minnesota does regularly host migrating and stray pelicans, especially the American White Pelican in western parts of the state and the Brown Pelican as a rare vagrant along the north shore. Fall offers the best chance to see these large seabirds, though dedicated birdwatchers can find them during other seasons as well. With their large sizes, dramatic bills, and prehistoric looks, spotting a pelican in Minnesota remains an exciting rarity for any observer.