Pelicans have a long bill and a large pouch for fishing.
Pelicans are colonial water birds known for the large, naked pouch under their bills that they use as nets to scoop fish. There are seven known species of pelicans throughout the world: dalmatian, pink-backed, brown, Australian, great white, American white and spot-billed. A group of pelicans is known as a pod.
Physical Description
The pelican's most distinctive feature is its pouch, which, according to the San Diego Zoo, can hold up to three gallons of water, which is more than twice the capacity of its stomach.
Pelicans vary in size by species. They are generally between 4 and 6 feet long and weigh between 10 and 17 lbs. They are also known for their long, slender bills. The Australian pelican is the largest and its bill, which is between 16 and 20 inches in length, is the longest of any bird in the world.
The brown pelican is the only species with dark plumage while the other six species have primarily white feathers. Pelicans are great swimmers and have totipalmate webbed feet, which means the webbing encompasses all four toes.
Range and Habitat
Pelicans occur on all continents except Antarctica. Some species live near the coastlines while others are found near inland lakes. The brown pelican is the only species that is found strictly along ocean shores.
Diet and Fishing Techniques
Fish are the staple of the pelican's diet, though it may also consume crustaceans, tadpoles and even turtles. According to the San Diego Zoo, pelicans have a predilection for fish such as carp, shiners, mullet, and minnows, which have little commercial value. Pelicans do not use their pouch to store fish. Instead, they tip the pouch to empty it of water and promptly swallow their catch.
Pelicans differ in how they catch their prey. American white pelicans swim in groups of four or five and drive fish towards shallow waters near the shore where they can be easily caught. The brown pelican, on the other hand, locates its prey while flying then dives into the water to scoop it into its pouch. According to the San Diego Zoo, the dalmatian pelican opportunistically waits for birds of other species to dive and bring fish to the surface where they are more easily caught.
Reproduction and Development
A pelican clutch consists of one to three eggs. The male and the female build their nest together using materials they collect in their pouches and subsequently take turns incubating the eggs using their feet. The incubation period is between 28 and 36 days, depending on the species.
Pelicans feed their young by opening their mouths and allowing the chicks to eat out of their gullet. The first chick that hatches is usually stronger than its siblings and will often attack them in order to secure itself a larger share of food. Chicks take approximately 60 to 76 days to fledge.
Behavior and Lifestyle
Pelicans are social birds and nest in colonies in trees or on the ground near bodies of water. They have no problem living in close proximity to other bird species. Flocks of pelicans often fly in straight lines or in "V" formations.
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