Take Away-Wht Pelicans
by Jennie Breeze
Title
Take Away-Wht Pelicans
Artist
Jennie Breeze
Medium
Photograph - Original Img_8937
Description
The Great White Pelican is a huge bird, with only the Dalmatian Pelican averaging larger amongst the pelicans. The wingspan can range from 7.41 to 11.81 ft, with the latter measurement the largest recorded among extant flying animals outside of the great albatrosses. The total length of the Great White Pelican can range from 55 to 71 in, with the enormous bill comprising 11.4 to 18.5 in of that length. The diet of the Great White Pelican consists mainly of fish. The pelicans leave their roost to feed early in the mornings.The pelican's pouch serves simply as a scoop. As the pelican pushes its bill underwater, the lower bill bows out, creating a large pouch which fills with water and fish. As the bird lifts its head, the pouch contracts, forcing out the water but retaining the fish. Each pelican needs from 2.0 to 3.1 lbs. of fish every day. Fish targeted are usually fairly large ones, in the 1.1 to1.3 lb. weight range, and are taken based on regional abundance. Pelicans are not restricted to fish, however, and are often opportunistic foragers. In some situations they eat chicks of other birds. Great White Pelicans also eat crustaceans, tadpoles and even turtles. They readily accept handouts from humans, and a number of unusual items have been recorded in their diet. During periods of starvation, pelicans also eat seagulls and ducklings. The gulls are held under water and drowned before being eaten headfirst. Pelicans will also rob other birds of their prey. Human disturbance, loss of foraging habitat and breeding sites, and pollution are all contributing to the decline of the Great White Pelican. Declines have been particularly notable in the Palearctic.
Uploaded
May 9th, 2014
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Viewed 263 Times - Last Visitor from Wilmington, DE on 03/26/2024 at 6:38 PM
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Comments (1)
Jennie Breeze
Thanks Mariola! Great to be selected and featured in your WILDLIFE ONE A DAY art group.
Jennie Breeze replied:
Thank you Bonfire Photography for featuring my image in your WILD AMERICA art group.