Pelicans
Pelicans
Pelecanidae
The Graceful Giants of Waterways: Pelicans (Pelecanidae) are among the most distinctive waterbirds, famous for their massive bills and expandable throat pouches used for scooping up fish. Found on lakes, rivers, and coastal waters worldwide, these large, social birds are expert fliers and cooperative hunters. The Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus), one of the largest flying birds, is a majestic sight with its curly head feathers and enormous wingspan. The American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) works in groups to herd fish into shallow waters, while the Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is unique for its dramatic plunge-diving technique. Despite their heavy build, pelicans are remarkably graceful in flight, often soaring in synchronized formations. Their diet consists mainly of fish, but they occasionally eat amphibians or small birds. Unlike many seabirds, their throat pouch isn’t used to store food but rather to drain water before swallowing their catch. Some pelican populations face threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and fishing nets. Conservation efforts have helped certain species recover, ensuring these iconic waterbirds continue to glide across the world’s waterways for generations to come.