10 Birds That Look Like Pelicans | American White Pelican

When it comes to birds that look like pelicans, many species resemble the iconic aquatic bird. One of the most recognizable is the American White Pelican, which has a similar body shape and long bill.

For example, the Great White Heron is another large wading bird with a long neck and a bill that resembles a pelican. The Australian Pelican also has a similar appearance and behavior to its American counterpart. Additionally, seagulls like the Laughing Gull have white feathers and black wingtips like pelicans.

Other birds that look like pelicans include the Brown Pelican itself (which may come as a surprise) and the Shoebill Stork and Marabou Stork from Africa.

Bird enthusiasts often encounter confusion when they see birds that look like pelicans. Eurasian spoonbills, wood storks, white ibises, whooping cranes, great egrets, royal spoonbills, trumpeter swans, snow geese and several pelican species are some common birds that may be mistaken for pelicans. These bird species have similar physical features as the Pelican, such as a long straight bill and webbed feet.

Birds That Look Similar to American White Pelicans

Eurasian Spoonbill

The Eurasian Spoonbill is a fascinating bird known for its unique appearance and behavior. Its massive size, long neck, and vast wingspan cause it to be mistaken for a pelican frequently. However, the spoon-shaped bill of this bird sets it apart from the pelican family.

The Eurasian Spoonbill can be found in wetlands throughout Europe and Asia. To search for prey through the mud, they choose shallow waters. The birds are white with black legs and feet but develop bright yellow plumes on their head and chest during the breeding season.

Despite their impressive size, Eurasian Spoonbills are graceful flyers who use thermal currents to glide effortlessly through the air. They also have an interesting feeding technique: swing their bills back and forth in the water to catch fish or crustaceans.

Characteristics

One of the unique characteristics of Eurasian Spoonbills is their plumage coloration. They have black feathers all over the rest of their body, with white feathers on their head, neck, and underparts. This striking contrast in colors makes them easily recognizable even from afar. Another distinguishing feature is their pink legs, often seen when they are wading in shallow waters.

Similarities

One of the most notable similarities between Eurasian Spoonbills and Pelicans is their physical appearance. Both birds have long legs that allow them to wade through shallow water while hunting for food. Their large bills are similar as they use them to scoop up fish from the water. Another similarity is their white plumage which helps them blend into their surroundings while hunting.

In addition to these physical traits, Eurasian Spoonbills and Pelicans also share similar habits when it comes to feeding. Both birds are opportunistic hunters who feed on small fish and other aquatic creatures.

Differences

One major difference between Eurasian Spoonbills and pelicans is their size. While both birds can grow large, pelicans are much larger than spoonbills. Another distinguishing feature is the shape of their bills. Pelican bills are typically longer and have a curved hook at the end, while spoonbill bills are shorter and straight.

In addition to physical differences, Eurasian Spoonbills have different behaviors than pelicans. For example, spoonbills are known for being very social birds that flock together in large groups.

Wood Stork

Due to their distinctive look, wood storks are a rare bird species frequently mistaken for pelicans.

The Caribbean, South America, and the Southeast of the United States are all home to these large wading birds.

The wood stork can be distinguished from other waterbirds by its long, broad bill and bald head.

Wood storks are large birds that can reach a wingspan of up to 5 feet and weigh up to 6 pounds. Their plumage ranges from white to gray-brown with black-tipped wings. They can wade across shallow waters for food like fish or crayfish because of their large legs.

The population of wood storks has been slowly growing because of conservation measures, despite being categorized as endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in 1984.

Characteristics

The Wood Stork is unquestionably a bird to watch out for if you’re seeking birds that resemble pelicans. This unusual bird’s big bill and broad wingspan are among its morphological similarities to pelicans. But given a few basic distinctions between the two species, it is simple to recognize a Wood Stork in the field.

Similarities

If you’ve ever seen a pelican, you might be surprised to learn that a few other birds share some similarities with these large and distinctive creatures. One such bird is the wood stork. Like pelicans, wood storks have long bills to scoop up fish and other prey from the water. They also have broad wings and short legs, giving them a similar shape to their pelican counterparts.

Despite these similarities, however, some key differences exist between wood storks and pelicans. For one thing, wood storks tend to be smaller than most types of pelicans – usually weighing in at around 5-6 pounds, as opposed to the 10–20 pounds of larger species like the American White Pelican.

Differences

One of the most obvious variations is in their coloring. Both birds have white feathers on their bodies, while wood storks have black feathers on their wings and tails. Additionally, pelicans have a distinctive orange or yellow pouch beneath their beaks to scoop up fish from the water – something that wood storks don’t possess.

Another difference between these two species is in their behavior. Pelicans are known for diving into the water to catch fish, while wood storks typically stand still and wait for prey to come within reach before striking with lightning-fast speed.

American White Ibis

The American White Ibis is a stunning bird that resembles a pelican. These birds resemble smaller versions of their larger cousins because of their long, curved beaks and long legs.

In the southern United States, wetlands, marshes, and swamps are where you’ll usually find them.

One of the most striking features of the American White Ibis is its pure white plumage. This bird has white feathers from head to toe, with only a few black wingtips for contrast. The bill of the American White Ibis is also distinctive; it is long and thin, curving downward at the tip.

Despite their striking appearance, these birds can be challenging to spot in the wild due to their often-hidden habitat preferences.

Characteristics

One of the most striking characteristics of the American White Ibis is its white plumage which contrasts with its reddish-pink bill and legs. However, adult birds develop a distinctive black mask around their eyes during the breeding season. They also have long curved bills, which they use to probe shallow water for crabs, insects, small fish and other creatures. Their bills are sensitive to touch, so that they can detect prey even in muddy waters.

Similarities

One of the most noticeable similarities between these birds is their long, curved beaks used to catch fish and other aquatic prey.

Another similarity between American White Ibises and pelicans is their white plumage. Both birds have bright white feathers that contrast beautifully against the blue waters they inhabit. However, while pelicans have a distinctive hooked bill with a large pouch, ibises have straight bills that taper down to a fine point.

Despite these similarities, some key differences exist between American White Ibises and pelicans. For example, while both birds are known for their excellent fishing skills, ibises tend to hunt more on land than in water.

Differences

Firstly, American White Ibises have curved beaks that are shorter than those of pelicans. They use their beaks to probe into the mud and shallow water for food, such as insects, crustaceans and small fish. Conversely, pelicans have long straight beaks for catching fish by diving into deep water from above.

Another difference between these two species can be seen in their feathers. While both birds have white plumage, American White Ibises display black wingtips when they fly, while pelicans do not.

Whooping Crane

Whooping cranes are a bird that might initially be mistaken for a pelican.

Yet, a deeper examination reveals that these adorable creatures possess unique traits that distinguish them from their relatives.

The size and form of their bills are one of the most obvious variances. While pelicans have elongated bills with a pouch for catching fish, whooping cranes have shorter, more pointed bills.

Another distinguishing trait of the whooping crane is its striking white plumage, contrasting with black feathers on its wings and tail. This coloration makes it easy to spot these birds from afar as they soar through the skies or strut around on land. In addition to their physical attributes, whooping cranes are known for their unique vocalizations, which can carry up to 2 miles away.

Characteristics

The huge wingspan of whooping cranes is one of its primary distinguishing features. These birds have a seven-foot wingspan and a 15-pound weight limit. They also have a distinct red patch on their head that sets them apart from other crane species. Additionally, whooping cranes have a distinctive call that can be heard over long distances.

Another interesting fact about whooping cranes is that they mate for life. Once they find a partner, these birds will remain together for many years and even travel together during migration.

Similarities

One of the similarities between Whooping Cranes and Pelicans is their habitat preference. Both birds prefer to live in wetlands and marshy areas near rivers or lakes. They rely on these aquatic environments for food, shelter, and breeding grounds.

Another similarity between the two bird species is their diet. Whooping Cranes and Pelicans both eat fish as their primary source of nutrition. They catch their prey by wading through shallow waters or diving into the depths of the water to catch fish with their beaks.

Differences

One of the main differences is in their size. While both birds can reach impressive heights, with whooping cranes standing up to five feet tall and pelicans topping out at six feet, pelicans are considerably heavier due to their large beaks and wingspan. Whooping cranes also have longer legs than pelicans, making them better suited for walking on land and wading in shallow water.

The two birds’ diets also differ significantly from one another. Pelicans primarily feed on fish, while whooping cranes prefer a diet of insects, small mammals, crustaceans, and even berries.

Great Egret

One of North America’s most exquisite bird species is the great Egret.

Its wingspan can reach four feet, and they are huge, white-wading birds.

This bird’s long, thin neck, which it uses to catch fish and other small things gracefully, is one of its most distinctive features.

Great Egrets and pelicans have similar appearances, which leads to frequent confusion.

Nonetheless, these two birds differ significantly in some important ways. For instance, Great Egrets have a straight bill, while pelicans have a curved one. Additionally, Great Egrets do not have the large throat pouches that pelicans use for catching fish.

Characteristics

One of the Great Egret’s most distinguishing characteristics is its size.

These birds can soar up to 3 feet in height and have wingspans of 5 feet. Their feathers are also impressive as they stand out against their surroundings with their bright white coloration.

In addition to their striking physical appearance, Great Egrets are also known for their unique mating rituals. Males will put on elaborate displays during the breeding season to entice a partner, such as arching their necks far into the air or swiftly fluttering their wings.

Similarities

While they may appear similar at first glance, there are several key differences between these two majestic creatures. For one, the Great Egret has a slender and graceful appearance, with long legs that allow it to wade through shallow water in search of food.

Another similarity between the Great Egret and the Pelican is their love for fish. Both birds rely heavily on this nutrient-rich food source to survive, although they catch it in different ways. The Pelican uses its large bill and pouch to scoop up fish underwater, while the egrets use their sharp bills to spear their prey from above.

Despite these similarities, some notable differences between these birds help them stand apart.

Differences

Despite having a striking similarity to pelicans, they differ from one another in a few important ways.

First, Great Egrets can readily wade across shallow water thanks to their long, slender legs.

On the other hand, pelicans have significantly shorter legs, which makes it challenging for them to move around on land. Secondly, Great Egrets have a smaller beaks compared to pelicans. Their beaks are thin and pointed, which helps them catch small fish and insects with ease.

Another noticeable difference between the two species is their behavior in flight. While pelicans tend to glide low over the water surface when they fly, great egrets prefer to soar high above, looking for prey from an aerial view.

Royal Spoonbill

Royal Spoonbills are often mistaken for pelicans due to their striking resemblance. These magnificent birds can be found in various habitats, including estuaries, saltwater lagoons, and freshwater wetlands.

Both Australia and New Zealand are home to them.

These are one of the largest species of Spoonbill, with astounding wingspan measurements of 1.2 meters and lengths of up to 85 cm.

The spoon-shaped bill of Royal Spoonbills, which they employ to consume small fish, crabs, and other aquatic organisms, makes them highly identifiable. Their unique feeding technique involves sweeping their bill side-to-side through the water to catch prey. They distinguish themselves from other birds in the area thanks to their stunning white plumage, black legs, and beak.

These birds mate for life and form large breeding colonies during the breeding season.

Characteristics

Royal Spoonbills have a few unique characteristics distinguishing them from their larger cousins.

Firstly, their name originates from their distinctive spoon-shaped bill for catching small fish and other aquatic creatures. Their bills act as a sieve, separating mud and debris from edible items before they swallow them whole. This specialized tool helps them feed efficiently in shallow waters where food is abundant but difficult to access.

Secondly, Royal Spoonbills are striking, with white feathers on the body contrasted by black feathers on the wings and tail. During the breeding season, adult birds develop long plumes on their heads, giving them an even more regal look.

Similarities

One of the key similarities between pelicans and Royal Spoonbills is their feeding behavior. Both birds use their large bills to catch prey in shallow water, although pelicans tend to go after larger fish than spoonbills. Another similarity is their distinctive appearance – both birds have long necks and oversized beaks that make them instantly recognizable.

Despite these similarities, there are also some differences between pelicans and Royal Spoonbills.

Differences

One of the most noticeable differences between Royal Spoonbills and Pelicans is their beaks. While Pelicans have a long and straight bill with a large pouch underneath for catching fish, Spoonbills have a distinctive spoon-shaped bill that they use to sweep back and forth through shallow water to find small organisms like shrimp or insects. Another difference is their size; Royal Spoonbills are smaller than Pelicans and weigh considerably less.

Trumpeter Swan

Trumpeter swans are majestic, with their long necks and graceful wingspans. However, some people may mistake them for pelicans due to their similar appearance. These big birds stand out against any background because of their bright white feathers that glitter in the sunlight.

One key feature that sets trumpeter swans apart from pelicans is their bill. While pelicans have long, curved bills designed for scooping fish out of the water, trumpeter swans have shorter and more straight bills. This allows them to feed on aquatic vegetation, insects, and small fish.

Characteristics

Trumpeter swans are majestic birds that belong to the family Anatidae. They are native to North America and are the world’s largest waterfowl species. Trumpeter swans can be easily distinguished from other birds that look like pelicans because of their white feathers, long necks, and black bills.

These birds have a wingspan of up to 8 feet and can weigh over 30 pounds. The males, called cobs, generally weigh more than females or pens. Trumpeter swans mate for life and can live up to 25 years in captivity or even longer in the wild.

Trumpeter swans thrive in freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, marshes, and rivers, feeding on aquatic plants such as pondweed, wild celery, and coon tail. They also consume small fish and insects when plant food is scarce during winter.

Similarities

One of the most striking similarities between Trumpeter swans and pelicans is their unique appearance. Both have long, curved bills that they use to catch fish and other prey. Both species also have webbed feet that enable effective swimming in water.

Another similarity between these two birds is their importance in local ecosystems. Trumpeter swans are crucial in maintaining healthy wetland habitats by controlling plant growth and providing food for other animals. Similarly, pelicans act as indicators of the health of aquatic ecosystems because they rely on healthy fish populations for survival.

Differences

One of the most obvious differences between trumpeter swans and pelicans is their size. While pelicans can grow up to 70 inches long and weigh over 30 pounds, trumpeter swans typically reach only half that size.

Another key difference between these two bird species is their appearance. Unlike pelicans with a distinctive large beak and throat pouch, trumpeter swans have a straighter bill with a black base and pink tip. They also lack the bright white plumage of the American white Pelican, featuring mostly white feathers with a black bill and feet.

Snow Goose

North America is home to the medium-sized Snow Goose, sometimes called the “Blue Goose.” These birds are famous for their white feathers, black-tipped wings, and pink bills. However, compared to pelicans, they have a shorter bill and lack the characteristic throat pouch.

Snow Geese are highly social creatures and often migrate in flocks of thousands of individuals. They breed in the Arctic tundra regions during summer and then travel southwards during winter to avoid harsh weather conditions. On their journey from their breeding grounds to their wintering habitats, these birds can cover up to 3,000 kilometers.

Interestingly enough, Snow Geese look like pelicans and share some behavioral traits, such as swimming gracefully on water bodies while looking for food.

Characteristics

Pelicans are one of the most iconic birds in the world, with their distinct long bills and large wingspan. However, other avian species bear a striking resemblance to them. If you’re an avid bird watcher or fascinated by these creatures, here are some characteristics to look for when spotting birds that look like pelicans.

Firstly, watch for birds with long bills that resemble those of pelicans. These may include spoonbills and ibises, which have curved bills up to half the length of their body. Similarly, storks have elongated bills but tend to be more slender than a traditional pelican’s bill.

Another characteristic is their size and shape.

Similarities

Many people may not know that snow geese share some physical similarities with another bird species – pelicans.

Both the snow goose and Pelican have long beaks that they use to capture prey in shallow water. Snow geese and pelicans have beaks that are similar in shape and are ideally suited to grabbing fish and other aquatic animals, despite the Pelican’s being larger and more pronounced than the snow goose’s.

Additionally, both birds can swim very well, easily moving through the water on their webbed feet.

Their migratory patterns are another resemblance between these two bird species.

Differences

Firstly, the Snow Goose has a shorter and rounder bill compared to the long flat bill of the American White Pelican. Moreover, snow geese do not possess the enormous throat pouches that pelicans are famous for using to catch fish.

They instead eat grasses and other types of vegetation.

Their habitat preferences are another obvious difference.

Both species can be found in wetlands like lakes and marshes during the breeding season. However, snow geese tend to fly further north than pelicans.

Brown Pelican

Brown Pelicans are one of the most recognizable birds in North America. They are known for their large bills, long necks, and distinctive brown plumage. However, other species closely resemble Brown Pelicans.

One such bird is the American White Pelican. While they share many physical characteristics with Brown Pelicans, American White Pelicans have white feathers and a yellow bill with a pink or orange tip. They also have shorter necks than Brown Pelicans and tend to be larger overall.

Another bird that resembles Brown Pelicans is the Double-crested Cormorant. These birds have dark brown feathers and a long bill that curves downwards. While they don’t have the same distinctive pouch under their bill as Brown Pelicans, they share similar hunting behaviors and can often dive into the water to catch fish.

Characteristics

The Brown Pelican is a unique bird that belongs to the Pelican family. It is one of the largest birds found in North America and can be identified easily by its long beak, large wingspan, and brownish-gray color. The Brown Pelican’s unique appearance makes it stand out from other birds that look like pelicans.

One of the characteristics of the Brown Pelican is its long bill which is used for catching fish. The bill can hold up to 3 gallons of water at once and easily scoop up fish from underwater. Additionally, this bird has a large wingspan which allows it to glide effortlessly through the air while hunting for food or flying to different parts of its habitat.

Another characteristic of the Brown Pelican is its ability to dive-bomb into the water from high altitudes without injuring itself.

Similarities

One similarity between brown pelicans and their look-alikes is their size. Most of these birds are huge, with wingspans exceeding six feet. They also have long necks and bills that stand out from other species. Another similarity is their diet – all these bird species feed on fish and invertebrates in coastal waters.

Another striking feature that makes brown pelicans similar to other bird types is their ability to dive into the water at high speeds.

Differences

One of the most notable differences is their size. While Brown Pelicans can grow up to four feet in length with a wingspan of seven feet, other birds that resemble pelicans tend to be smaller in size. Additionally, Brown Pelicans have a distinct brown coloration with white underparts, while similar-looking birds may have different coloring or patterns.

Another difference between Brown Pelicans and other birds resembling pelicans is their behavior. Brown Pelicans are known for their remarkable diving ability as they plunge into the water from great heights to catch fish in their large pouches. Other similar-looking species do not exhibit this behavior and hunt differently.

Australian Pelican

The Australian Pelican is a large waterbird that belongs to the pelican family. It is native to Australia and can be found across the continent’s coastal regions. The bird has a unique appearance: its long bill, webbed feet, and distinctive pouch used for catching fish.

While several other birds look like pelicans, the Australian Pelican is easily distinguished by size and coloring. Its body plumage is predominantly white, with black primary feathers on its wings. The bird’s bill is also longer than most other similar-looking species.

One interesting fact about the Australian Pelican is that it does not breed yearly like other birds in its family. Instead, it only breeds during high rainfall when abundant food resources are available.

Characteristics

This bird’s large, broad bill is one of its distinguishing features.

The bill can expand to a maximum length of 50 cm and store about 13 liters of water.

Because of this, they can capture vast quantities of fish and other animals from shallow waters.

Another distinctive trait is its wingspan, which can be up to 2.5 meters broad and makes them a spectacular sight when they soar over streams.

The Australian Pelican also has distinctive plumage with white feathers covering most of its body except for black primary feathers on its wings and tail.

Similarities

One such bird is the American White Pelican, which shares similar body features and even migrates to some of the same areas as the Australian Pelican. Each bird is large, has broad wings, and has a big bill for fishing and hunting. The Dalmatian Pelican is a bird species that looks similar to the Australian Pelican and is found throughout Europe and Asia.

Differences

The biggest difference between the two pelicans is their size. Although the Australian Pelican is only approximately 1.6 meters long, the Dalmatian Pelican can grow to a maximum length of 2 meters. Another distinguishing feature of the Australian Pelican is its bill, which has a distinct curve at its end and a yellow tip.

Other birds that may be mistaken for Australian Pelicans include Gannets and Cormorants.

Final Words

Bird enthusiasts love to identify and learn about different bird species. One bird that always stands out is the Pelican, with its distinctive beak and large size. There are, however, other birds with similar physical traits to the Pelican.

One such bird is the cormorant. Cormorants have long necks, a hooked beaks, and a similar body shape to pelicans. They also dive deep into the water to catch fish like their larger counterparts. Another example is the frigatebird with a pouch under its beak for carrying prey, resembling the Pelican’s famous gular pouch.

Despite these similarities, it’s important to note that each bird has unique features and behaviors make them distinct. Learning about these differences can help bird lovers appreciate the diversity of avian life around us.