Status and distribution of American White Pelican nesting colonies in Wyoming: an update

Authors

Scott L. Findholt, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Lander, Wyoming
Kenneth L. Diem, University of Wyoming, Laramie

Abstract

Historically, one American White Pelican nesting area was known in Wyoming. In 1986 White Pelicans nested at four locations consisting of four different colonies and approximately 949 active nests. Nesting success was probably adequate for population stability at Pathfinder Reservoir from 1984 through 1986 and at Yellowstone Lake in 1984 and 1985, but insufficient there in 1986. White Pelican colonies at Bamforth and Cooper lakes most likely failed because of predation. With the exception of the Yellowstone Lake colony, the future of White Pelican nesting colonies in Wyoming is uncertain. Current threats are human disturbance of nesting birds, predation, and loss of habitat, including breeding areas and foraging sites.

Recommended Citation

Findholt, Scott L. and Diem, Kenneth L. (1988) "Status and distribution of American White Pelican nesting colonies in Wyoming: an update," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 48: No. 2, Article 19.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol48/iss2/19