The pelican is my favorite bird. I saw them in Florida and fell in love with them. I like to watch them dive for food in the ocean. It's funny the way they just slam into the ocean and then pop right back up like a bouy on a fishing rod.
Pelicans are among the largest living birds with a 6.5-9 foot wingspan and a weight of 10-17 pounds. They are distinguished by their long necks, small heads and thick, harsh plumage. They have an enormous beak. The upper part is flattened and the lower part has a pouch that can be distended and serve as a dip net for catching fish. The pouch can hold up to 17 pints of water.
They are not graceful on land and seem to waddle with a stately, dignified air. On water, they float high with a great buoyancy. Adults are usually silent.
All of the pictures below were taken by my husband while we were in Clearwater, Florida in March 1998.
I collect anything that has to do with pelicans!
