Welcome back to a new week of Wild Facts.  I just realized that we have finished 400 animal facts already.  Time flies when you are having fun!  Just think in a couple more years, the target of 1000 animal facts will be achieved.  To celebrate Wild Fact #600 we are going to explore the world of one of the most interesting water birds, the Pelican, of course.  There are more than half a dozen different Pelican species but all of them share a  very unique trait.  Don’t worry we will talk about that bizarre trait, soon. First, let’s learn a little more about the behaviour of this large bird.

The Pelican is a social bird and as such loves hanging out with other Pelicans.  This is great news for us since we now have the chance to see large flocks which can include more than 100 Pelicans.  Just think of all the photography opportunities you can get.  Probably why the photos on today’s post are so great!  You would think these birds would get tired of each other since it seems like they do everything together.  They nest, rest and will even hunt together – I guess there is no alone time when you are a Pelican.  Their cooperative hunting is actually pretty interesting though.  A group these enormous birds will form a line or a U-shape and force the fish into shallow waters by beating their wings on the surface.  Once they are in shallow water, the Pelicans just need to scoop them up.  How do they scoop them up so easily?

Well, remember that unique trait that all Pelican species share?  This is the trait that has made this bird so popular and gives them the ability to scoop up fish.   Of course, I am talking about their amazing throat pouch, which plays a major role in feeding.  Now there might be some rumours out there saying that the Pelican uses this pouch to store their food.  Well, this is actually false, as they simply use the pouch to catch the fish, drain the water out and then proceed to swallow the fish immediately.  As well, the chicks will put their beaks in the throat of their parents to get their feeding.

Pelican Fast Fact – The American White Pelican is able to store up to 11.5 liters (3 gallons) of water in their throat pouch.  I am guessing that is more than the standard 8 glasses of water we need to drink.

I hope you all enjoyed Wild Fact #600 and will continue to join me as we count down to zero.  Have a great day!