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Pelican

Flying and Swimming: The pelican, with its large body and elongated bill, looks like it shouldn't be able to get off the ground when in fact it is a strong flier. Pelicans are also excellent swimmers thanks, in part, to their large webbed feet, which help with propulsion and steering. The distinct throat pouch is ideal for catching fish as well as rainwater for drinking.

Pelican Species: The Dalmatian pelican is the largest of its kind, with a wingspan of up to 11.5 feet and a weight of up to 33 pounds. Most pelicans feed off the surface of the water, but the brown pelican — the smallest pelican species — prefers to plunge in the water from as high up as 30 feet to capture its prey.

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SPECIES: Meet the Brown Pelican

DID YOU KNOW?

Webbed Warmth: While most other birds use the skin of their breast to warm eggs, the brown pelican uses its webbed feet — it actually stands on its eggs to keep them warm.

Built for Soaring: Special fibers in the pelican's breast muscles allow it to hold its wings rigidly horizontal, allowing it to soar through the air with ease. It uses thermals to glide over 100 miles to new feeding areas.