Pelican

About

How pelican lives

Pelicans use large throat pouches to scoop fish from coastal shallows, lakes, and wetlands. A pelican drains water from its pouch before swallowing captured fish. Coastal species are often adapted to tides, wind exposure, and rapidly changing shorelines.

Conservation

Status and habitat pressure

Stable populations still depend on habitat quality, food availability, and low human pressure. Protecting pelican also depends on keeping coast, wetland habitats healthy and connected.

Common species still depend on habitat quality, clean water, food webs, and low disturbance.

Quick Facts

Things to notice

• A pelican drains water from its pouch before swallowing captured fish.
• Bird bones are adapted for efficient movement, balancing strength with low weight.
• Coastal species are often adapted to tides, wind exposure, and rapidly changing shorelines.
• Stable populations still depend on habitat quality, food availability, and low human pressure.