American White Pelican 1 (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)

This huge bird, with a wingspan of 9 feet, winters on the Gulf Coast (from Florida to Mexico) and on the Pacific coast (from California southward). In summer it breeds farther north on inland lakes in the western United States and Canada. Its black flight feathers can be seen when it is on the wing, and pods of these pelicans can often be seen soaring very high. The platelike growth(s) on the upper mandible are shed after the eggs are laid.