Pelicans are one of the most iconic birds around, especially for bird watchers. We're fortunate to see American white pelicans during their biannual migrations in Will County, Illinois.

These large, graceful birds, known for their impressive wingspan and distinct appearance, captivate us whenever they stop by. Let's dive into five amazing facts about pelicans that will leave you in awe.

1. Their Migratory Range is Surprising

While we're lucky to spot these magnificent birds in our area, the American white pelican's migratory range is actually quite limited. On many maps, Will County and eastern Illinois aren't even included in their usual travel paths. These pelicans breed in select locations like Canada, Minnesota, and the Dakotas, making their stopovers here on their way to their wintering grounds along the Atlantic coast and Gulf of Mexico. Their arrival in early fall and departure in mid-November is a brief but eagerly awaited event for local bird lovers.

2. They Don't Use Their Bills as Lunchboxes

One of the biggest misconceptions about pelicans is that they store food in their bills, much like a lunchbox. In reality, their large bill pouches are used to catch and scoop up fish, crayfish, tadpoles, and other aquatic creatures. They don't store their meals for later but rather eat their catch immediately by tipping their heads back and swallowing. These birds are known for their cooperative foraging behavior, often forming lines or V-shaped formations in the water to hunt together.

3. They Often Partner with Cormorants

Pelicans don't forage alone. They are often seen alongside double-crested cormorants, hunting for fish together. Although they don't eat the same fish or hunt at the same depths, these birds peacefully coexist. Interestingly, cormorants sometimes even build nests within pelican colonies. However, pelicans are notorious for stealing fish from other birds, including cormorants, whenever the opportunity arises.

4. Their Plumage is a Surprising Sight

If you've ever seen a pelican resting on the water or standing on land, you might think they are all white. But when they spread their wings in flight, they reveal a hidden surprise—black feathers at the ends and tips of their wings! This dramatic contrast in their plumage makes them even more stunning to observe. Furthermore, pelicans develop a unique horn-like projection on their bills during the breeding season. These “bill plates” are part of their preparation for courtship.

5. Raising Pelican Chicks Requires a Lot of Fish

Raising a pelican chick is no small task. Pelican parents work hard to provide for their young, with each hatchling needing around 150 pounds of food before it can feed itself. Female pelicans typically lay two eggs per brood, but only one chick usually survives. For the first few weeks, the chicks are fed by their parents and grow quickly. Once they are large enough, they join groups known as “crèches,” where they are cared for by their parents until they're ready to forage on their own.

Pelicans are fascinating creatures with unique behaviors and stunning appearances. We're fortunate to witness their migratory journeys and learn more about these incredible birds during their short stopovers. Whether it's their surprising plumage, the cooperative foraging behavior with cormorants, or the fact that they can consume massive amounts of fish to raise a chick, pelicans are truly a wonder of nature.