Behavior of pelicans
3 videos • 182 views • by TerraNaturalist Pelicans possess several unique traits, most notably a long bill with an attached pouch to catch fish. Yet not all species of these large birds fish in a similar manner. Understandably, different fishing techniques are required depending upon a pelican's size and where a bird forages (e.g., fishing in a river, on a lake, or on the open seas). In fact, each species of pelican has evolved to occupy distinctive niches. This is certainly true for Brown and American White Pelicans. In this three part series, we have documented the foraging and flight behavior of American White Pelicans. We are interested in exploring the following question: What factors influence how individuals fish? Viewers are encouraged to view the commentary video on Plunge-diving by Brown Pelicans.