American white pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos), Cape Lookout National Seashore, 2014.

Though uncommon at Cape Lookout NS in late fall, these striking American white pelicans were seen at Old Drum Inlet in October 2014. With a wingspan of about 8-feet, they are considerably larger than our resident brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis). Interestingly, these birds don't dive for meals. They swim cooperatively, surrounding fish and trapping them in their pouches.