The American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) is a large waterbird native to North America. In Canada, it breeds primarily in prairie provinces like Alberta, nesting on islands in shallow lakes and wetlands. Pelicans are migratory, wintering along the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific coast. While still common in many areas, pelican populations declined in the 20th century due to factors like habitat loss, human disturbance, and pesticides. However, conservation efforts have helped stabilize and recover numbers in recent decades. Alberta provides important breeding grounds for pelicans, so their status here indicates the overall health of the species. This article examines the current population, trends, threats, and conservation actions regarding American white pelicans in Alberta.
Population and Distribution in Alberta
American white pelicans return to Alberta each spring to nest in colonies. Population surveys are conducted annually at breeding colonies to monitor numbers over time. In 2022, the total Alberta population was estimated at 36,515 adult pelicans across 30 colonies. This represents over 20% of the estimated global population. The largest colony contained 10,316 pelicans at Miquelon Lake Provincial Park south of Edmonton. Other major colonies holding thousands of adults are found at Pakowki Lake in southeast Alberta and on islands in Lakes Newell, Stafford, and Bow. Smaller colonies with hundreds of pairs occur on other prairie lakes. Pelicans show high breeding site fidelity, returning to nest in the same location each year.
The overall distribution remains similar to historical levels. Breeding colonies are scattered across prairie lakes in central and southern Alberta. Pelicans may forage widely on lakes up to 180 km away from nest sites. In winter, the entire Alberta population migrates south to the Pacific Coast from British Columbia to Baja California and along the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida. Some vagrancy occurs, with non-breeding birds occasionally reported in northern Alberta outside the core breeding range.
Population Trends
After steep declines in the early 20th century, American white pelican numbers in Alberta increased rapidly from the 1970s-1990s following banning of DDT and habitat protections. The population size leveled off through the early 2000s, fluctuating between 30,000-40,000 adults. In the past decade, numbers have risen to peak levels, likely reflecting increases in food fish populations, nesting island creation and ongoing conservation efforts. Biologists consider the current Alberta population to be stable and healthy.
Threats and Conservation Challenges
While the pelican population in Alberta is currently thriving, some key threats and conservation challenges remain:
– Habitat loss from wetland drainage reduces nesting and foraging sites. Flooding of islands can destroy breeding colonies.
– Fluctuating water levels driven by drought, climate change and water management can impact nesting and fish prey populations.
– Human disturbance of nesting colonies from boats and recreation affects breeding success.
– Disease outbreaks from botulism, avian cholera and West Nile virus can cause die-offs, especially during migration and wintering.
– Contaminants like mercury showing up more in prairie lakes could impact reproduction.
– Predation and competition from species like ring-billed gulls may significantly reduce breeding success at colonies.
– Collisions with power lines and wind turbines occur during migration.
– Oil spills and other contaminants in coastal habitat degrade wintering areas.
Conservation Actions and Legal Status
Several conservation actions and legal protections help support thriving American white pelican populations in Alberta:
– Pelicans are protected under the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act which prohibits harming individuals, eggs or nests.
– Habitat areas like nesting islands and lake shorelines are now protected within provincial parks and ecological reserves.
– Public education and restrictions on boating help reduce human disturbance to breeding colonies.
– Mitigation measures at wind energy facilities and along transmission lines reduce collision mortalities.
– Wetland conservation programs on private land provide habitat incentives for landowners.
– Restoration efforts create or enhance nesting islands at breeding lakes.
– Monitoring and management reduces disease outbreak risks at colonies.
– Ongoing population surveys track numbers to identify any declining trends.
– Reduced mercury emissions help address contamination issues.
The American white pelican is considered a Species of Least Concern by the IUCN due to its large, increasing population. In Alberta, it is a yellow-listed species of Sensitive status. Partners in Flight estimates a North American population of 181,000, with an 85% increase over the past 40 years. Given that Alberta supports a significant portion of breeding pelicans, conservation actions taken here to protect wetland habitat and reduce threats will be important for maintaining healthy populations province-wide and across North America.
Conclusion
The American white pelican remains a thriving bird species in Alberta. The population has recovered from declines last century to present-day numbers of 36,515 adults, centered on prairie lake breeding colonies. Ongoing protection of wetlands, nesting sites and reductions in disturbance, disease, contamination and powerline/turbine collisions will help ensure pelicans continue to flourish as an iconic prairie species. Stable Alberta populations contribute meaningfully to continental pelican numbers. While some risks exist from habitat loss, disease and human impacts, the current status of American white pelicans in Alberta is good and populations should persist given adequate conservation measures. Helping this species remain resilient will require proactive management of wetlands and breeding sites across the prairie region.