Breeding in Pelecaniformes

The American White Pelican may spend most of its time near estuaries and coastal waters, but when it’s time to breed, it moves inland to freshwater lakes and other large water bodies.  Pelicans nest colonially, and both males and females perform courtship displays, which includes strutting, bowing, and low flights.  The nests are usually built on the ground as a shallow depression in bare soil.  Multiple eggs may be laid, but usually only one chick survives due to competition between the siblings.  Both parents incubate the eggs and feed the altricial young.  After leaving the nest at about 3 weeks of age, the young gather in groups called “crèches” before fledging after 10 weeks.  Pelicans have a slow life history - they are able to reproduce at about 3 years of age, and can live up to 20 years.

Breeding adult.  Note the tuft of feathers on top of the head and the epidermal plate on the bill.

American White Pelican nesting colony.

The American Bittern is unlike most other members of Pelecaniformes in that it is not a colonial nester.  Male bitterns are polygamous, and vocalize on their territory as soon as they arrive in early spring.  Males also perform a breeding display which consists of pumping their head and displaying white feathers between their shoulders.  The female chooses the nest site, usually within reeds or sedges in a wetland, and lays 3-5 eggs.  Since males are polygamous, and may often have multiple females nesting on his territory, females build the nests, incubate the eggs, and care for the young all on their own.  Hatchlings are altricial and usually leave the nest within two weeks.  Due to the bittern’s secretive natural, information on life history is limited, but it is believed that age at maturity is about 2 years, and they can live up to 10 years.

Breeding male displaying white shoulder plumage.

Babies!