For the Love of Pelicans

For the Love of Pelicans, who’s bills hold more then their bellies can. 😉

The two pelicans species I have photographed here in the mid west. The Great White Pelicans and the Brown Pelicans. Yesterday I talked about the difference in their size.

They do look similar with their actions and how they hold their heads. But,

The White Pelican has the largest wing span reaching 108 inches across. Their wings are beautiful and uniform which makes them glidge effortlessly above. They swim on the water and catch their fish by scooping them up in their bills.

The brown pelican is made for speed and diving. Their wings spans are shorter, their feathers on the wings are ragged and torn.

Because, they dive sometimes from as high as 60 feet. Air sacs beneath the skin on their breasts act like cushions. Also, while diving, a pelican rotates its body ever so slightly to the left. This rotation helps avoid injury to the esophagus and trachea, which are located on the right side of the bird’s neck.

This is how a Brown Pelican catches food, diving in head first. They can’t be all pretty and preened when nose diving all day for food.

Have a Great Weekend

For the Love of Pelicans

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