Pelicans (Pelecanus, family Pelecanidae) are very large waterbirds with an expandablegular pouch and long bill. Eight extant species range across tropical–temperate lakes, estuaries and coasts. Most scoop‑feed or forage co‑operatively; the Brown Pelican plunge‑dives.
Ecology & Behaviour
Diet mainly fish, with crustaceans/amphibians. Colonial breeders on islands, sandbars or reedbeds; both parents incubate and rear chicks.
Identification
Length 1.2–1.8 m; wingspan 2–3.5 m; elastic pouch expands to trap fish and drain water. In flight the neck is retracted; fully webbed toes.
Threats & Conservation
Wetland loss/hydrological alteration (reclamation, dams, extraction).
Pollution & fisheries interactions (toxins, hook/line entanglement).
Disturbance at colonies (tourism, boats, drones).
Actions: buffers/seasonal closures at colonies, wetland restoration, water‑quality monitoring and fisheries mitigation (lead‑free tackle, anti‑entanglement).
