Pelicans are large, social birds known for their distinctive large throat pouch, webbed feet, and impressive wingspan. They are skilled swimmers and flyers, often hunting in groups and using their pouch to catch fish.
The pelican family has been around for at least 30 million years. Not just fish eaters: While they are known for eating fish, pelicans also consume other prey like frogs, insects, and crustaceans. The pouch is not used for storing food, but rather for scooping up fish and then draining the water. .
Pelicans often hunt in groups, using their wings to drive fish into shallower water where they can easily catch them. Some pelicans have wingspans exceeding 3 meters. Their webbed feet make them excellent swimmers but can make them awkward on land. Pelicans can cool themselves by swinging their pouch back and forth.
A group of pelicans is sometimes called a "brief," "squadron," or "pod," according to BirdLife Australia.
Pelicans have been used as symbols of self-sacrifice, with legends of mother pelicans feeding their young with their own blood.