23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Pelican Portrait

An American White Pelican stretches its wings, showing off its keratinous caruncle (the bump on the edge of their beak, which falls off and regrows each year.) I always feel like I'm in the presence of dinosaurs with these massive birds.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2025
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: Utah, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS R5
Copyright: © Chrissy Shammas