Pelicans are most famous for their characteristic pouch. The large aquatic birds make up their own family, Pelicanidae, this consists of eight different species. Pelicans are mainly light coloured, with the exception of two species that are brown.  These large birds have very long beaks. They also have long necks to match their long beaks. The lower half of their beak has a flexible skin pouch, known as a “gular pouch.” This expandable pouch allows them to catch lots of fish at once.  Pelicans seem to prefer warmer regions.  They prefer living and hunting in inland and coastal water bodies, and are largely absent from polar regions, the open ocean, and isolated islands.  They prefer to eat fish, but they have been known to prey on other food sources as well. Some odd meals include crabs, insects,birds, small mammals, frogs and turtles. 

The American white pelican is found in North America and Mexico. The brown pelican is found in North America, northern South America, the Caribbean, and the Galapagos. The Peruvian species is found in Central and South America. The Great White pelican lives in the shallow swamps in Africa and is one of the largest flying birds in the world.

Links to further information*: 1 | 2 | 3

*Please note that links to 3rd party websites are provided for information only and are not affiliated to or warrantied by Wudimals®