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What is a Pelican?

Soo Owens
Soo Owens

The pelican is a waterbird known for its distinctive throat pouch, which it uses to catch its food. There are eight recorded species of pelicans that have been discovered all over the world. Pelicans primarily inhabit areas near large bodies of water, both fresh and salt, as well as lakes and rivers.

The eight species of pelican make up the family Pelecanidae. The Pelecanidae share the order Pelecaniformes with their distant relatives the boobies, cormorants, darters, frigatebirds, gannets, and tropicbirds. Members of this order live colonially and the individual fowl are monogamous. Their offspring are born helpless and require constant attention.

There are eight species of pelican, a type of waterbird, found throughout the world.
There are eight species of pelican, a type of waterbird, found throughout the world.

There are generally considered to be two groups of pelicans. The first has gray or brown plumage and nests in trees or, in the case of the Peruvian Pelican, on rocks. The second group is made up of those pelicans with white plumage that nest on the ground.

The Brown Pelican is the smallest member of the Pelecanidae and averages 6 pounds (2.75 kg), is 3.5 feet (1.06 m) long and has a 6 ft (1.83 m) wingspan. The Dalmatian Pelican is the largest averaging 33 pounds (15 kg) and 5.8 ft (1.8 m) in length, with a wingspan of up to 10 feet (3 m). The average bill can hold up to three gallons (11.5 liters) of water.

Pelicans are carnivores, consuming mostly fish, but also amphibians, crustaceans, and, seldom, smaller birds. They scoop fish out of the water with the large throat pouch attached at the bottom of the bill, and many species also use cooperative fishing methods when hunting. The birds form into a straight line or U-shape, flying low over the surface of the water while beating their wings against the surface. This drives the fish into shallow waters where the pelicans can easily scoop their prey out of the water.

The Brown Pelican is the exception to this tendency, as they feed primarily on menhaden, a type of herring, and use a more aggressive hunting style of diving and snaring its prey in its bill. The only other species observed utilizing this method are the Peruvian Pelican and the Australian Pelican, though the occurrence is rare.

Pelicans do not store their captive fish in their pouches. Instead, they feed immediately. If the pelican has young to feed then it opens its mouth and lets the young bird feed from its throat, where it has access to regurgitated nutrition.

The Brown Pelican was once considered endangered in North America. Due to DDT and dieldrin pesticide exposure, the eggs of these pelicans would become damaged and unable to sustain maturation of the embryo. The use of DDT pesticides was banned in 1972, and since then, the Brown Pelican has managed to repopulate and are no longer considered an endangered species. The Dalmatian Pelican is the rarest species of pelican, followed closely by the Spot-billed. The Australian and White Pelicans are the next two most common species.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pelican and where can it be found?

Pelicans are large water birds known for their distinctive long beaks and large throat pouches used for catching fish. They inhabit lakes, rivers, and coastal regions across the globe, with species diversity highest in tropical and temperate zones. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), pelicans are found on all continents except Antarctica.

How do pelicans catch their food?

Pelicans primarily feed on fish, which they catch using their expansive bill and pouch. They employ two main hunting strategies: cooperative fishing, where they work in groups to herd fish, and plunge-diving, where species like the Brown Pelican dive from the air to scoop up fish. The pouch acts as a net, allowing them to drain water before swallowing their prey.

Are pelicans social creatures?

Yes, pelicans are highly social birds. They often live in large colonies, which provide protection and increased efficiency in foraging. Social behavior is also evident in their cooperative hunting techniques and their communal care for young. During breeding season, pelicans nest in groups, with some species forming colonies of several thousand birds.

What is the conservation status of pelicans?

The conservation status of pelicans varies by species. While some, like the American White Pelican, are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, others face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and human disturbance. The Dalmatian Pelican, for example, is listed as Near Threatened due to such pressures, highlighting the need for ongoing conservation efforts.

How do pelicans communicate with each other?

Pelicans communicate through a combination of vocalizations and body language. They may grunt, hiss, or use other sounds during social interactions, especially in colonies. Visual displays, such as head movements and bill clapping, are also important, particularly during courtship rituals and in establishing dominance within groups.

What adaptations do pelicans have for their aquatic lifestyle?

Pelicans are well-adapted to aquatic life. Their webbed feet make them powerful swimmers, and their waterproof plumage aids in buoyancy and insulation. The unique bill and pouch are perfect for scooping up fish, while their large wings enable them to soar efficiently over water. Some species, like the Brown Pelican, have air sacs under their skin to cushion the impact of dive-bombing for fish.

Discussion Comments

cmsmith10

@gardenturtle- Pelicans are very smart birds. When they catch their fish, they tip their pouches over so that they can drain the water out and then they eat the fish. Some pelicans, particularly the American white pelican, can hold up to 3 gallons of water in its bill at one time.

GardenTurtle

Since the pelicans eat their fish immediately, do they not end up swallowing a lot of water, as well?

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    • There are eight species of pelican, a type of waterbird, found throughout the world.
      By: raptorcaptor
      There are eight species of pelican, a type of waterbird, found throughout the world.