Mexican town hopes swans will help revive tourism
Pelicans are distinguished by yellow beaks and white plumage.
AFP
A town in western Mexico, where thousands of American white pelicans migrate from Canada, hopes that these birds will attract global tourism, and compensate for the losses caused by "Covid 19".
Petatan Island, located on Lake Chapala in the Mexican state of Michoacan, is the seasonal host for these birds that head south in search of warmth and food.
The locals note that the migration pattern of the American white pelican is similar to that of the famous monarch butterflies, and they occur at the same time of the year, between October and April, which plays a role in feeding these birds.
"Petatan is a fisherman's island," says Cucumatlan de Regoles Mayor Ana Lilia Manso. "The fishermen go to the lake every day, collect fish, and use part of their catch to feed the swans."
The local community welcomes the arrival of the American white pelican, which attracts tourists from nearby areas.
They fill restaurants, and pay to go on a boat ride to see these birds up close.
"We want the swan phenomenon to be known at the state level, at the national level, and all over the world," explains the mayor.
These birds, which may reach 1.75 meters in length and three meters in width when they spread their wings, are distinguished by their yellow beaks and white feathers.
Follow our latest local and sports news and the latest political and economic developments via Google news