With a 9-foot wingspan, the majestic American White Pelican is one of North America’s largest birds. On broad white and black wings, the bird soars with amazing steadiness and grace. Their huge, heavy bills and large heads make them appear like exotic prehistoric creatures from the ancient past. To scoop up fish like oversized dabbling ducks, they dip their pouched bills into the water. Groups of pelicans sometimes work together to herd fish into the shallows for easy feeding. See them on inland lakes in summer and near coastlines in winter. This species is protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. It has the California Department of Fish and Game protective status (CSC). This is a digital painting /composite copyrighted by Matthew Schwartz on 6.11.2016. All Spadecaller artwork by Matthew Schwartz posted on Imagekind, Facebook, and elsewhere is copyright protected. Permission to copy, appropriate, reclaim, alter, or otherwise distribute, display, or sell is prohibited.