Birds in Flight: Great Egret Versus American White Pelican

Watching birds, known as birding, can be a rewarding hobby, especially when you can identify different birds species based on their unique characteristics, even from afar. Two water birds that can appear similar in flight from a distance are the great egret (Ardea alba) and the American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos). While they share some similarities, several key features can help even the novice birder distinguish between them.

How the great egret and American white pelican are similar

The great egret and the American white pelican share several similarities, which can sometimes make them challenging to distinguish, especially for a beginning birders. These similarities include:

1. Coloration

Both the great egret and the American white pelican are predominantly white, which can make them appear quite similar, especially when seen from a distance. Their bright white plumage can be a striking feature, particularly when they are in flight against a blue sky or near water bodies.

Both the great egret and the American white pelican have beaks that are primarily yellow or orange. The great egret’s beak is a bright yellow, particularly vivid during the breeding season, while the American white pelican’s beak is a more orange-yellow.

2. Habitat preference

The great egret and the American white pelican are commonly found in similar habitats, particularly around wetlands, lakes, rivers, and coastal regions. They are both water-dependent birds, often seen near large bodies of water where they can hunt for fish and other aquatic prey. This overlap in habitat can lead to situations where they are spotted together, increasing the potential for confusion.

3. Diet

The diet of both the great egret and the American white pelican primarily consists of fish, although they also consume other aquatic creatures like amphibians and crustaceans. Their similar feeding habits lead them to frequent the same types of environments, such as shallow waters where fish are plentiful.

4. Social behavior

While there are differences in their flight behavior, both species are often seen in groups, especially when feeding. Great egrets may gather in colonies during breeding season or when feeding in productive areas, similar to how pelicans can be observed fishing cooperatively in groups. This social behavior can contribute to the challenge of distinguishing between the two when they are seen together.

5. Flight posture

In flight, both birds exhibit a graceful, slow-moving flight style that can look similar to the untrained eye. The great egret and American white pelican are large birds with broad wings. While their wing shapes and lengths differ, the overall impression of a large white bird soaring over water can create confusion.

6. Geographical range

Both the great egret and the American white pelican are widely distributed across North America, particularly during their breeding seasons. This geographical overlap means that birders in many parts of the continent might encounter both species, further necessitating careful observation to tell them apart.

How to tell the great egret and American white pelican apart in flight

Size and wingspan

One of the most noticeable differences between the great egret and the American white pelican is their size. The American white pelican is a much larger bird, with a wingspan ranging from about 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3 meters). This makes the wingspan of the American white pelican the second largest on average, after the condor.

In contrast, the great egret has a wingspan of about 4.5 to 5.3 feet (1.4 to 1.6 meters). When observing these birds in flight, the pelican’s sheer size and broader wings are immediately apparent compared to the relatively slender and more delicate appearance of the egret.

Wing shape and flight pattern

The wing shape and flight patterns of these birds are key indicators of their species. The American white pelican has broad, long wings with a distinctive curve at the wrist, giving them a slightly bowed appearance when in flight. Pelicans often fly in a graceful, gliding motion, using slow, deep wingbeats followed by extended periods of gliding on thermals.

On the other hand, the great egret’s wings are more evenly proportioned with a less pronounced curve. Egrets tend to fly with quicker, more consistent wingbeats, often maintaining a steady flight path. They also frequently tuck their necks into an S-shape during flight, a characteristic that can help differentiate them from pelicans, which fly with their necks fully extended.

Coloration and markings of wings

Both the great egret and the American white pelican are predominantly white, which can make identification tricky at a distance. However, there are subtle differences in their coloration and markings that can be observed.

The American white pelican has a black-tipped wing pattern that is highly visible when the bird is in flight, particularly against the white of the rest of its body. This black and white contrast is one of the easiest ways to identify a pelican from a distance.

In contrast, the great egret lacks any black markings on its wings. Its plumage is uniformly white, which, when combined with its smaller size and different wing shape, can help distinguish it from a pelican.

Beak and neck

Another distinguishing feature between these two birds is the shape of their beak and neck. While both birds have long, orange-yellow beaks and fold their necks into an s-shape during flight, there are differences.

The American white pelican has a large, yellow-orange beak that is notably thick and long. When flying, the beak is prominently visible, and the pelican’s overall head and beak structure appear more robust compared to the egret.

The great egret, on the other hand, has a thinner, more delicate yellow beak. In flight, the egret’s long neck is usually tucked in, creating a more distinct S-shape compared to the American white pelican . This tucked neck and slimmer beak give the egret a more streamlined profile, contrasting with the pelican’s broader and more substantial appearance.

Length and appearance of legs

The great egret is known for its long and slender legs while the legs and feet of an American white pelican are short and stubby.

The great egret’s long, dark legs and feet extend straight out behind its body during flight. This extended position is quite noticeable, and the legs often protrude well beyond the tail, making them a prominent feature of the bird’s silhouette. The legs and feet of the great egret are typically black or dark gray, which contrasts with its white plumage. 

Unlike the great egret, the American white pelican’s legs are usually tucked close to the body during flight, making them much less visible. The feet are also retracted and not extended out behind the bird. As a result, the legs and feet of the pelican are not a prominent feature in its flight profile. The legs and feet of the American white pelican are a bright orange or yellowish color

Flight habits: solo versus group behavior

Flight behavior can also provide clues for identification. American white pelicans are often seen flying in large, coordinated flocks, sometimes in V-formations or lines, similar to geese. Their group flight patterns are not only impressive but also serve as a key identification marker.

Great egrets, in contrast, are more solitary in their flight habits. While they may be seen in groups near water bodies during feeding or nesting, they tend to fly alone or in small, loosely organized groups. This solitary flight pattern, combined with their other distinguishing features, can help birders differentiate them from pelicans.

Fonte : National Geographic