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It’s Breeding Season
It’s easy to tell this was captured during the breeding season, when American White Pelicans develop distinctive nuptial tubercles on the tops of their bills. Both males and females grow these temporary structures, which fall off once mating season ends—one of those quirky, unmistakable signs of spring.
From the Field
Pelicans are big birds that can overheat in hot sun, and they shed heat by facing away from the sun while fluttering their bill pouches, which contain many blood vessels that help release body heat. Incubating parents may also stretch their wings wide to aid cooling. (Source: All About Birds)
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