Pelicans

A digital oil painting of group of Pelican fishing in the gulf of Mexico.

Pelicans are fascinating and graceful large water birds belonging to... more

by Flees Photos

Title

Pelicans

Artist

Flees Photos

Medium

Digital Art - Home Decor And Giclee Wall Art By Chris Flees

Description

A digital oil painting of group of Pelican fishing in the gulf of Mexico.

Pelicans are fascinating and graceful large water birds belonging to the family Pelecanidae. They are known for their distinctive appearance, unique feeding behavior, and widespread distribution. Here are some interesting facts about pelicans:

Physical characteristics: Pelicans are large birds with long, broad wings and a distinctive, elongated bill with a pouch. The pouch is used to scoop up fish and water while feeding. They have a short tail, webbed feet, and a mostly white plumage with varying degrees of black, brown, or gray markings.

Global distribution: Pelicans are found on all continents except Antarctica. They inhabit both freshwater and saltwater environments, including lakes, rivers, coastal waters, and estuaries.

Diving and feeding behavior: Pelicans are well-known for their spectacular diving and feeding methods. When hunting for fish, they soar high above the water, spot their prey, and then plunge-dive from the air to catch fish in their pouches. After resurfacing, they drain the water from their pouches and swallow the fish whole.

Cooperative fishing: Some species of pelicans engage in cooperative fishing, where they work together as a group to corral fish into shallow waters for easier catching. This coordinated effort allows them to catch larger quantities of fish.

Pelican pouches: The pouch of a pelican is incredibly stretchy and can expand to accommodate a large amount of fish. In some species, like the Brown Pelican, the pouch can hold up to 3 gallons (11 liters) of water and fish.

Breeding colonies: Pelicans often breed in large colonies, sometimes consisting of thousands of individuals. These colonies provide safety in numbers and aid in sharing the responsibilities of raising chicks.

Parental care: Both male and female pelicans take part in raising their young. After the chicks hatch, parents take turns feeding them regurgitated food and protecting them from predators.

Longevity: In the wild, pelicans can live for about 10 to 25 years, depending on the species and environmental factors.

Species diversity: There are several species of pelicans worldwide, including the American White Pelican, Brown Pelican, Great White Pelican, Australian Pelican, and Pink-backed Pelican, among others.

Conservation status: While some species of pelicans face threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and disturbance in their breeding areas, many of them are not considered globally threatened. Conservation efforts are in place to protect their habitats and ensure their continued survival.

Pelicans are charismatic and iconic birds that captivate people with their impressive aerial dives and fishing skills. Their presence in various aquatic environments highlights their ecological importance as top predators and indicators of environmental health.

Uploaded

May 27th, 2014