Pelicans

Up close, Pelicans are umistakable. The long, hook-tipped bills with their thin-walled pouch gives them a distinctive silhouette. Despite their ungainly appearance on land, they are graceful both on the water and in flight. Brown Pelicans are seldom confused with any other bird, but the American White Pelicans resemble Snow Geese, Wood Storks, and Whooping Cranes, especially in flight.

Size:
48 to 62 inch (1.2192 to 1.5748 meter) length, 84 to 108 inch (2.1336 to 2.7432 meter) wingspan

Where they live:
Brown Pelicans are seabirds that nest on coastal islands, while White Pelicans nest on islands in inland lakes and winter in coastal areas. Large flocks of White Pelicans can be seen crossing the Great Plains in spring and fall migration.

What they eat:
Mainly fish, especially small schooling species, and marine invertebrates. Brown Pelicans dive for prey, folding their wings back along the body to form a spear shape before plunging into the water. American White Pelicans feed while swimming on the surface, often in coordinated groups that give the appearance of a ballet.

Sounds:
Mostly silent except on breeding grounds.

Etc.:
Though still considered endangered in parts of North America, the Brown Pelican has made a remarkable comeback since the banning of DDT and realted pesticides.