White Pelicans, Mississippi Photograph by Annie Griffiths,
National Geographic White pelicans are among the largest
Mississippi Flyway migrants. At an average weight of 16 pounds
(7 kilograms), they rely on a nine-foot (three-meter) wingspan
to enable flight at very high altitudes. They use a unique
fishing technique, cooperatively herding fish into small areas
on the surface where the pickings are easy.