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Pelicans

Pelicanus

Pelicans are large water birds in the genus Pelecanus, which makes up the family Pelecanidae (order Pelecaniformes). They are best known for their long bill and large throat pouch, which they use to scoop up prey and drain water before swallowing. Pelicans live in tropical and temperate regions worldwide, always near water, including lakes, rivers, coasts, and other inland or marine habitats. Most species have predominantly pale plumage; the main darker exceptions are the brown pelican and Peruvian pelican. At the start of the breeding season, the bare face and pouch often flush yellow, pink, or orange, depending on the species and sex. Pelicans feed mainly on fish. Most catch prey by scooping with the pouch while swimming, sometimes cooperatively, while the brown pelican is famous for plunge-diving from the air. Despite the pouch’s size, pelicans do not use it to store fish for later.

Pelicans are large water birds in the genus Pelecanus, which makes up the family Pelecanidae (order Pelecaniformes). They are best known for their long bill and large throat pouch, which they use to scoop up prey and drain water before swallowing. Pelicans live in tropical and temperate regions worldwide, always near water, including lakes, rivers, coasts, and other inland or marine habitats. Most species have predominantly pale plumage; the main darker exceptions are the brown pelican and Peruvian pelican. At the start of the breeding season, the bare face and pouch often flush yellow, pink, or orange, depending on the species and sex. Pelicans feed mainly on fish. Most catch prey by scooping with the pouch while swimming, sometimes cooperatively, while the brown pelican is famous for plunge-diving from the air. Despite the pouch’s size, pelicans do not use it to store fish for later.