Where are Pelican found in the wild?

Pelicans thrive in various habitats, especially near lakes, rivers, and coastal waters around the world. You can often find them in warm, shallow waters where fish and other tasty treats are abundant, making these areas their perfect playgrounds!

"Pelican-pink-backed" by Julielangford is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Pelican

Soar high with these incredible fishing champions of the skies!

"Pelican-pink-backed" by Julielangford is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Basics

Scientific Name

Pelecanus

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Location

Widespread, found near lakes, rivers, and coastal waters

Average size

4 to 6 feet long

diet

Fish, amphibians, crustaceans

lifespan

15 to 25 years

Let’s Explore

Overview

Pelicans are remarkable birds known for their large bodies and impressive wingspans. They can reach lengths of 1.2 to 1.8 meters (4 to 6 feet), making them some of the largest flying birds around.
Pelicans belong to the bird family Pelecanidae and are part of the order Pelecaniformes. They are easily recognized by their long, flat bills and distinctive throat pouches, which they use to catch fish like a pro fisherman!
Pelicans love to hang out near lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. You can spot them soaring through the sky or diving gracefully to catch their next meal, showcasing their fun and active lifestyle.
Their diet mainly consists of fish, but they also enjoy a mix of amphibians and crustaceans. With their expert hunting skills, pelicans can gobble up their meal in just a few seconds!
Pelicans can live long and happy lives, averaging between 15 and 25 years. These social birds often live in colonies and use teamwork to hunt, which just goes to show that there is strength in numbers!

Where can you find a Pelican in the wild?

What does a Pelican eat?

How big can a Pelican grow?

How long does a Pelican typically live?

What is the conservation status of the Pelican?

What are the main threats to the Pelican?

wowzerful facts

Pelicans use their amazing throat pouches to catch fish, almost like creating a net underwater! They can hold up to 13 liters (around 3.5 gallons) of water in those large pouches.

These birds have a unique way of fishing. A group of pelicans often work together to herd fish into shallow waters, then they dive in for a delicious meal.

A pelican's wingspan can reach up to 3.6 meters (11.8 feet), making them masters of the air! When they soar, they can glide for hours without flapping, saving energy while they enjoy the view.

Pelicans have long legs that allow them to paddle gracefully through the water. They look like they are doing a little dance when they walk, making them quite entertaining to watch!

Newborn pelican chicks are really cute! They are covered in downy feathers and can’t see or walk for the first few weeks, so they rely on their parents for everything!

These birds have a special way of keeping cool. When it gets hot, pelicans will often pump blood to their legs and feet, allowing heat to escape and helping them cool down!

Pelicans are very social creatures. They often nest in large colonies, which helps protect their young from predators. More friends mean more eyes to spot trouble!

Pelicans can fly at altitudes of over 3,000 meters (about 9,800 feet). That’s higher than many planes fly, proving they truly are the kings of the sky!

When pelicans spot their prey, they can dive from heights of about 15 meters (about 49 feet), hitting the water like a cannonball to catch fish in a flash!

In some cultures, pelicans symbolize selflessness because they are often seen feeding their chicks first before eating. They are true examples of bird parenthood!