PELICAN
			Phylum: Class: Order: Family: Chordata Aves Pelecaniformes Pelecanidae

These amazing birds do not look coordinated enough to fly. Although gangly in nature, the pelican is a graceful, superb flier, and a great swimmer as well. Pelicans are social birds and nest in large colonies. Occasionally, they swim in a line, driving the fish into shallow water where they're easily scooped up.

There are eight pelican species: two are found in the New World, and six in the Old World. They live on coasts or inland waters in the warmer parts of the world. The species differs only slightly in minor detail, and both sexes are greatly alike.

Apart from the brown pelican, the plumage of the adults is usually white. The primary (wing tip) feathers are dark. Their massive bodies are supported by short legs with strong webbed feet. They have long necks and small heads, and are among the largest birds today, measuring from 52 to 76 inches in length (130 to 190 cm). The enormous beak has a pouch which is used as a net for catching fish.