Field Marks: 62 in. A huge white bird of coastal regions and freshwater marshes. Like the related Brown Pelican, alternately soars and flaps in flight, with flock members flapping in "follow-the-leader" sequence. Flies with head folded back on neck. While swimming, scoops up fishes by submerging head and neck; does not plunge-dive. Breeding adults very large, mainly white, with black wing tips, yellow feet, and unfeathered yellow throat pouch; yellow bill has raised plate midway along upper mandible. Nonbreeding adults similar; bill slightly duller, without plate. Immatures duskier with gray bill.
Range: Breeds locally from central British Columbia, n. Alberta, and Minnesota south to n. California, Colorado, and Texas Gulf Coast. Winters from s. California and along Gulf Coast from Florida and Texas southward.