White Pelicans
The large white pelican is found between December and March each year in Florida.
It spends the winter in Florida and along the Gulf Coast before flying north to nest
in the midwest and Canada, giving it its nickname of “snowbird.” It is estimated that
over 1,500 white pelicans migrate to this area. White pelicans are very large birds
with a wingspan of nine feet and an average weight of 11 – 20 pounds. They have
a unique way of catching food: instead of diving for fish, they herd them towards
shallower water and scoop them up with their heads and necks. White pelicans nest
in colonies of several hundred pairs and breed during March and April. A wild white
pelican may live for more than 16 years.
Tricolored Heron
The tricolored heron is a medium-sized heron with a height of about 26 inches
and a wingspan of three feet. This striking bird gets its name from the three
distinct colors within its feathers. The inner neck, chest and belly of its grey body
are white. Its shoulders, back and outer neck are a rusty red color. Its legs, beak
and feet are yellow. The tricolored heron nests amongst the reeds and in trees
of marshy areas. It eats mostly fish but will consume amphibians, insects and
crustaceans. The tricolored heron migrates to Central and South America in the
winter and spends the summer along the coasts of the southeastern United States.
When it senses danger in its presence it camouflages itself by standing straight
with its bill pointed upward to the sky.
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