American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos), Sanibel Island, Florida
The American white pelican (not to be confused with the Eurasian white pelican) is even bigger than the brown pelican: total length up to 1.8m, wingspan up to 3m. The curious laterally flattened 'horn' on the bill of the male is shed after mating. Its function is poorly understood but it may play some role in courtship. Patchy breeder in the United States and Canada. Migrates south after nesting
130326 090
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All images are the property of the photographer and may not be reproduced, copied, downloaded, transmitted or used in any way without the written permission of the photographer who may be contacted by registering with flickr and using flickrmail.
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American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos), Sanibel Island, Florida
The American white pelican (not to be confused with the Eurasian white pelican) is even bigger than the brown pelican: total length up to 1.8m, wingspan up to 3m. The curious laterally flattened 'horn' on the bill of the male is shed after mating. Its function is poorly understood but it may play some role in courtship. Patchy breeder in the United States and Canada. Migrates south after nesting
130326 090
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All images are the property of the photographer and may not be reproduced, copied, downloaded, transmitted or used in any way without the written permission of the photographer who may be contacted by registering with flickr and using flickrmail.
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