pelican bird
1. Bird Name
The English name of our feathered subject is the Pelican. The scientific name for the Pelican family is Pelecanidae, with species names ranging from Pelecanus occidentalis (Brown Pelican) to Pelecanus crispus (Dalmatian Pelican).
2. Appearance
Pelicans are large water birds characterized by a long beak and a large throat pouch. They mostly show white, grey, and brown plumage. The bill, long and large, is their most distinctive feature, especially when used in conjunction with the stretchable throat pouch, which they use in a unique bill-dip fishing technique. Eye color varies from species to species, with some displaying a vibrant blue and others a more muted brown. Males and females are quite alike, and sexual dimorphism is not strongly pronounced in this species.
3. Size
The typical size of an adult pelican varies between species. For example, the Brown Pelican (P. occidentalis) usually measures around 106-137 cm (42-54 in) in length, whereas the Dalmatian Pelican (P. crispus) can reach up to 170-190 cm (67-75 in) in length making it one of the largest members of the pelican family. The wingspan is equally impressive, reaching up to 3 meters (9.8 ft) in some species. Weights typically range from 2.75 kg (6 lbs) to 15 kg (33 lbs).
4. Habitat & Distribution
Pelicans, as water birds, are found on many of the world’s coastlines and also along lakes and rivers. They thrive well in warm regions, and they inhabit continents like North America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. They prefer a habitat where water and an ample supply of fish are available, either freshwater or saline.
5. Interesting Facts
Known for their uniqueness, Pelicans are famous for their throat pouch, which they use to scoop fish out of the water. Interestingly, they use the pouch to drain the water before swallowing the fish. Another amazing attribute of the pelican is their cooperative fishing technique, where they encircle fish in groups and scoop them up in their sac-like bills simultaneously. Additionally, during courtship, their throat pouch changes color.
6. Diet
They typically eat fish, but they’re also known to supplement their diet with amphibians, crustaceans, and on rare occasions, birds. A pelican can eat up to 1.8 kg (4 lbs) of fish in a single day!
7. Behavior & Sounds
Pelicans are unique for their collaborative hunting behavior. They work together, paddling in a synchronized manner to herd fish in shallow water, and then scoop them up in their bills. Pelican vocalizations differ among species and are generally a series of grunts or deep, throaty croaks.
8. Conservation Status
Most species of pelicans are listed as “Least Concern.” Yet, their numbers have reportedly been declining. The Brown Pelican once faced severe population decreases due to pesticide pollution but has since rebounded thanks to efforts put into its conservation.
9. Lifespan
On average, a healthy pelican can live from 15 to 25 years in the wild. In captivity, they are known to live up to 30 years.
10. Additional Notes
In many cultures, pelicans have symbolic meaning and often purvey a sense of sacrifice or providence. This symbolism usually points to their throat pouch and the associated myth that pelicans feed their young with their blood.
They often interact amicably with humans, especially in urban areas where they have adapted quite well. In such locations, they are often seen as valuable assets in controlling pest fish populations. However, they can also be a nuisance to fisheries as they have been known to steal catches or get ensnared in fishing nets.
