Recently, I watched a group of American white pelicans swimming alongside double-crested cormorants at the lake. This wasn’t the first time I had seen them together, which led me to wonder why these two birds, which seem to be an unlikely combination, would be hanging out.
Research revealed that both are fish-eaters that hunt together, assisting each other in finding food; however, their fishing techniques differ. Pelicans herd fish into shallow water where they are easy to catch, while cormorants are underwater fishers. Their diving causes the fish to rise to the surface, enabling the pelicans to swoop in and scoop them up with their large bills. While pelicans can at times exhibit greedy behavior, this collaborative approach to fishing is mutually beneficial for both species involved.
“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” ~Mother Teresa
walking on a country road 
Great photos and videos.
Thanks, Timothy.
Must be mesmerizing to watch their activity. Perfect MT quote to go with the post!
It is. It really makes your day. Thanks, Eliza!
When all else fails, the Pelican will mug the Cormorant 🤣.
I can understand why the Pelicans hang around the Cormorants but what’s in it for the Cormorants?
I wondered the same thing. The best explanation I found is that cormorants take advantage of fish herded by the pelicans. It provides them with easy access that they wouldn’t have if they hunted alone. Also, cormorants sometimes grab fish right out of pelicans’ beaks.
That was interesting Rebecca and I’m glad your research enlightened all of us. Those were a lot of Cormorants bobbing in the water as well as Pelicans. I always laugh when I see the Cormorants stretching their wings to dry like you have in the last video – they look a bit comical. The quote is perfect for this post!
Thanks, Linda. It was fun watching the Cormorants dry their wings — the way they fan them back and forth. I was amazed how comfortable these two birds seem to be together.
I like how you said they worked together to catch fish. That is something. When eating to survive, I guess camaraderie with other bird species is important.
The American white pelicans are fun to watch! In March ’24 at Orlando’s Leu Botanical Gardens, I watched a flock of pelicans fly across the lake towards me, and land with a “swoosh” along the surface of the water towards the bay where I was observing. I got it on video as well! I had to research what they were doing, and it’s a fascinating way of herding fish into shallow water as you wrote about. Thanks for sharing!
An experience I know you’ll never forget. They are amazing birds to watch. 🙂
The photos and videos are amazing. I really enjoyed them.
Thanks very much, Mags!
You are welcome, Rebecca.