Pelican on a Pole

An Eastern Brown Pelican taking a break after a big meal. Brown pelicans are the only species to dive into the water from 9 m (30 ft) above to... more

by Larry Marshall

Title

Pelican on a Pole

Artist

Larry Marshall

Medium

Photograph - Original Photographs

Description

An Eastern Brown Pelican taking a break after a big meal. Brown pelicans are the only species to dive into the water from 9 m (30 ft) above to capture prey. After catching the prey and a lot of water, they tip their bill downward to drain the water before swallowing the fish.

While brown pelicans are known for diving, they will never be deep divers due to the extensive system of subcutaneous air-sacs that give them their buoyancy in the water.

The pelican's pouch (gular pouch) is used as a dip net to catch fish, which are soon swallowed into the stomach (the center of gravity) so that they can maintain their balance while flying.

They have an extendable sac of skin at the base of their throat, which is capable of holding up to 11 liters (3 gallons) of water, several times more than their belly.

Uploaded

April 2nd, 2023