American White Pelican

White pelicans in Tennessee? Yes!

American white pelicans are one of the largest birds in North America with wingspans up to 9.5 feet across. White Pelican nest on lakes in the Northern Great Plains and in scattered locations in the western mountain states. In winter they are found in California, Florida, around the Gulf Coast into Mexico, along the Mississippi River and in the larger lakes in TN.

The White Pelican, once rare in Tennessee, seems to be increasing it's range in TN and is being seen in winter State-wide. I’ve personally seen them on Chickamauga Lake and at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge this winter.