Do pelicans have predators?

Pelicans are large waterbirds found in coastal areas around the world. With their imposing size and large bills, they may seem immune to predation. However, pelicans do face threats from predators, though likely not to the same degree as smaller, more vulnerable waterbirds.

Quick Answers

Pelicans have some natural predators, but likely experience relatively low predation rates compared to smaller seabirds. Potential pelican predators include:

• Large raptors – eagles, hawks, falcons, owls
• Mammalian predators – coyotes, foxes, raccoons
• Reptiles – alligators, crocodiles, large lizards
• Other birds – gulls, cormorants, herons

The main predators of pelican chicks and eggs are gulls, cormorants, coyotes, and raccoons. Adult pelicans are less vulnerable due to their size, but may be preyed on by eagles, alligators, and other large predators.

Detailed Explanation

Pelicans belong to the family Pelecanidae, which includes seven living species of pelicans worldwide. The two most widespread pelican species are the American white pelican and the brown pelican. Here, we will focus on the potential predators of these two common North American pelican species.

In general, seabirds must contend with predation not just as adults, but also at vulnerable life stages as eggs and chicks. Some seabirds, such as petrels and auklets, nest in burrows or crevices that offer protection. However, pelicans nest in exposed sites near water, including beaches, islands, and elevated ground near lakes and rivers. Their ground nests face threats from mammalian and avian predators.

Egg and Chick Predators

Pelican eggs and chicks are preyed upon by a number of opportunistic predators, including:^[1]

• Gulls – gulls often steal pelican eggs and prey on young chicks
• Cormorants – may displace pelicans and prey on their eggs
• Coyotes and foxes – major egg and chick predators where pelicans nest inland
• Raccoons – major chick predators, often decimate entire colonies
• Crows – will take eggs opportunistically
• Raptors – hawks, falcons, and eagles may take some chicks

Pelican parents try to defend their nests from gulls and other avian predators, but typically cannot guard against stealthy nocturnal predators like raccoons. In fact, raccoons are considered one of the most significant predators of pelican chicks in North America. One study found that raccoons may account for up to 98% of chick deaths in some American white pelican colonies.^[2]

Adult Pelican Predators

Compared to chicks and eggs, adult pelicans likely experience relatively low predation rates due to their large size. However, some predators will opportunistically target adult pelicans under certain conditions:

• Eagles – bald eagles and golden eagles are capable of striking and killing adult pelicans
• Crocodilians – American crocodiles and alligators may prey on pelicans
• Snakes – large constrictors and venomous snakes pose a predation risk to nesting pelicans
• Felids – mountain lions, bobcats, lynxes, and other wild cats occasionally may prey on pelicans
• Sharks and orcas – have been known to kill pelicans foraging at sea

Some predators target adult pelicans opportunistically, while others rely on stealth and surprise ambush attacks. Pelicans roosting at night near mangroves may be preyed on by panthers and leopards.^[3] Snakes like Burmese pythons and anacondas could potentially ambush and constrict adult pelicans, depending on the size of the individual snake.

Anti-Predator Adaptations

Pelicans possess adaptations that likely reduce their chances of predation:

• Large size – their bulk makes them challenging prey for most predators to subdue
• Powerful bill – pelicans can inflict painful bites in self-defense
• Group living – pelicans nest and roost communally, providing safety in numbers
• Mobbing – pelicans may harass potential predators in groups to drive them away
• Nest defense – pelican parents actively defend nests from some avian predators

While pelican mortality is often high, predators likely account for a minority of adult deaths. Starvation, disease, parasites, fishing tackle/boat injuries, and environmental contaminants are likely greater mortality factors for adult pelicans.^[4]

Conclusion

Adult pelicans are vulnerable to fewer predators than smaller seabirds due to their imposing size. However, chicks and eggs face high predation pressure from opportunistic mammals, birds, and reptiles. Pelicans demonstrate adaptations that reduce predation risks, though they cannot fully protect vulnerable chicks. Overall, pelicans contend with some natural predation but likely experience relatively low predation rates compared to more defenseless seabird species.

References

1. Shields, M. (2014). Brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), version 2.0. In Birds of North America. Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
2. Findholt, S.L. (1985). Status and distribution of colonial nesting waterbirds in Wyoming. Nongame Special Report. Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
3. Cripe, E. (2018). Pelecaniformes: Pelicans. University of Michigan Animal Diversity Web.
4. Schreiber, E. A., & Mocko, J. A. (2020). Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), version 1.0. In Birds of the World. Cornell Lab of Ornithology.