Exhibit m Chicago Natural History Museum 



White Pelican 



Along with the widespread prairie marsh birds we have two prominent species that, 

 while not everywhere common, nest in large numbers here and there on the prairie 

 sloughs. These are the white pelican and the double-crested cormorant. These are 

 also shown in Saskatchewan on Quill Lake. 



The summer home of the white pelican is on the lakes of interior North America. 

 It nests on the ground, preferring little islands in lakes. When the two young hatch, 

 they are naked, blind, and helpless. Until they are about half grown they are fed on 

 regurgitated fish, which they get by thrusting their heads down the throat of the old 

 bird. This seems a reversal of the usual feeding of young by birds, in which the parent 

 places the food in the mouth of the young and often thrusts its bill into the expectant 

 throat. 



Not until the young are about half grown and covered with down do they begin to 

 wander about on their island home and learn to swim. 



White pelicans are magnificent and impressive birds. In swimming they float high, 

 like a cork; in flight, they travel with slow measured strokes, or soar, even in strong 

 winds. 



The white pelican is one of our largest birds, with a weight of up to twenty pounds, 

 and a wing spread of up to ten feet. One would expect nothing but stately movements 



[40] 



