American White Pelicans at Smithville Lake

A sure sign of changing seasons at Smithville Lake can be witnessed by observations of migrating American White Pelicans. White Pelicans are one of the largest birds in North America and their migrations occur bi-annually every fall and spring. Spending the winter along our southern coasts or even into Central and South America, they pass through western Missouri in March, April, May and sometimes June to eat, rest and hang out on our rivers, lakes and ponds before continuing north to their breeding grounds throughout the northern Great Plains and mountain West.

They have a wingspan of 8 to 9 1/2 feet, and they beat their wings just one or two long, slow strokes per second. Weighing 10 to 17 pounds, they need considerable strength to stay aloft. On top of all this impressive size, white pelicans can appear almost blinding white. The white is offset by flashy black wing tips and bright orangish-yellow feet, eyes and bill.

Researchers say a pelican's pouch can hold about three to four gallons of water. That's about two to three times more than its stomach. Pelicans don't fly or swim with full pouches. Instead, they quickly squeeze out water from the corners of their mouths before swallowing. Birds of such enormous size require a lot of food. An adult pelican eats about four pounds per day. Pelicans mainly eat non-game fish such as chubs, shiners, carp and catfish, as well as crayfish and salamanders. White pelicans don't make the same athletic dives after food, like their coastal cousins, but they do something just as remarkable: they herd fish. Working in synchronized lines of five or six or more, they make a big production of flapping and splashing to move the fish along. Once corralled into shallow water or encircled by two or more lines of pelicans, the fish are easy prey.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, illegal shooting is the leading cause of mortality for pelicans reported from leg band returns. The National Audubon Society recorded that white pelican numbers took a long-term nose dive until the 1960s. Since then, their numbers have increased, and populations are believed stable. White Pelicans may live for more than 16 years.