• Delores Knowles
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  • Added 07 Feb 2008
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White Pelican Portrait

©Delores J. Knowles 2008 -- American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) Before leaving the warm waters of the south, breeding adults develop a horny knob on their bills. It’s believed the knobs serve a twofold purpose. They may signal members of the opposite sex that they are in the market for a mate, and they also serve as a target for other adults when they arrive at their northern breeding grounds and fight for territories. Fighting adults aim for these knobs and not the tender gular pouches that could cause fatal injury. Once eggs are laid, the knobs fall off. Photographed in Citrus County, Florida.

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Kathie Nichols 11 Feb 2008

Stunning photography Delores! wow

Artist Reply: Thanks for the kind comment on my White Pelican image.

Kwabena Poku 11 Feb 2008

Excellent work

Artist Reply: Thanks for the kind comment on my White Pelican image.

stephanie atlee 10 Feb 2008

What a handsome guy...great shot

Artist Reply: Thanks for the kind comment on my White Pelican image.

patrick hodson 10 Feb 2008

wow nice shot,fab focus.

Artist Reply: Thanks for the kind comment on my White Pelican image.

Booker T. Williams, Jr. 10 Feb 2008

AMAZING SHOT AND COLOR ! ! !

Artist Reply: Thanks for the kind comment on my White Pelican image.
Artist Reply: Thanks for the kind comment on my White Pelican image.