pelicans
1. Bird Name
Commonly known to us as the Pelican, its scientific (Latin) name is Pelecanus. This class of bird consists of eight unique species: Brown Pelican, American White Pelican, Eastern White Pelican, Pink-backed Pelican, Dalmatian Pelican, Spot-billed Pelican, Australian Pelican, and Peruvian Pelican.
2. Appearance
Pelicans are often described as being prehistoric-looking, due to their long beaks and large throat pouches. Most adult Pelicans are predominantly pale, varying between different shades of white and brown with darker flight feathers. The color of the plumage can be dull or bright, highly dependent on the species of Pelicans. Pelican beaks are long and large, suitable for their fish-catching habits. Their eyes usually adopt a light hue, surrounding by a patch of naked skin that makes them distinctive. There is no significant difference in the appearance between males and females.
3. Size
Pelicans are one of the world’s heaviest flying bird species, with some species such as the Dalmatian Pelican measuring up to 170 cm (67 in) in length. The wingspan of these magnificent creatures can reach up to an incredible 350 cm (138 in) and their weight ranges between 4.0 and 15 kg (8.8 and 33.1 lb).
4. Habitat & Distribution
Pelicans are cosmopolitan birds, with their habitats spanning tropical and temperate latitudes in all the world’s continents except for Antarctica. Their preferences lean towards marine and estuarine environments. However, some species like the American White Pelican prefer freshwater lakes.
5. Interesting Facts
Pelicans have a unique way of hunting for fish: they use their beaks like a fishing net, scooping up fish in their expandable pouches, then swallows them whole after draining out the water. Remarkably, some Pelicans have been observed working together to drive fish into shallow water for easier catching. They also have a cultural significance in Christian symbolism, where the Pelican is seen as a symbol of self-sacrifice.
6. Diet
Pelicans are primarily piscivorous, feeding on fish, which they often catch with their large beaks and pouches. When fish are scarce, they may also eat amphibians and crustaceans.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Pelicans are sociable birds, often found in flocks while hunting or migrating. They make low, deep sounds, and occasionally a mute display is seen during courtship. The flight pattern is characterized by heavy and slow flaps punctuated with gliding periods.
8. Conservation Status
Most Pelican species are of least concern according to the IUCN red list. However, the Dalmatian Pelican is currently listed as ‘Near Threatened’.
9. Lifespan
Pelicans live an averaged lifespan of 15 to 25 years in the wild, which can be longer in captivity.
10. Additional Notes
Pelicans are largely unafraid of humans and have been known to associate with human activities, sometimes even begging for food. They play a significant role in their ecosystems by controlling fish populations. Around the world, they are known by many names – in French, as the ‘Pélican’, and as the ‘Pelikan’ in German.
