The pelican, with a large pocket-like mouth, as long as the mouth can fit, dares to eat anything. Even if the mouth can not fit, but also to nibble two bites to try, even giraffes are not spared.
When on land, pelicans often exhibit curious behavior, wandering around and investigating their surroundings. They may open their mouths to inspect objects that pique their interest, attempting to swallow them. However, swallowing may not always be successful, and they may try several times before giving up.
For instance, pigeons and other birds have been known to exhibit similar behavior, sometimes ingesting unusual items such as cell phones or roadside props. Occasionally, news reports surfaced about rescued pelicans that have inadvertently swallowed objects.
There are a total of eight species of pelicans worldwide, all belonging to the genus Pelican. While these species vary slightly in color, size, and habitat, they all share a distinctive feature: a wide, pouch-like beak that aids in catching and consuming fish.
The remarkable "pocket" of a pelican extends from the lower beak shell and stretches to the middle of its long neck, forming what is known as the "throat sac." This sac comprises an incredibly flexible layer of skin capable of holding up to 18 liters of water.
Pelicans rank among the largest of birds, with adult individuals typically averaging around 1.5 meters in height. Some species can even reach an impressive wingspan of 3 meters when fully extended.
Despite their formidable size and strength, pelicans can occasionally find themselves at the receiving end of aggression from other birds or animals, highlighting that even the most imposing creatures are not immune to being "bullied."
Whenever pelicans find a target, they swoop down from the sky and dive into the water, their wide throat sacs acting like fishing nets, filling their mouths with water and fish, then contracting the sacs to squeeze out the water and swallowing the rest of the fish.
At this time, it is necessary to guard against the most famous "thief" of the sea - seagulls.
The nimble gulls are always able to steal fish from the gaps in this largemouth, while the pelicans are large and slow to take off, sometimes a mouth full of fish will be snatched up by the gulls.
Except for the occasional bullying by the gulls, the pelican is very active at other times.
With a maximum weight of 13 kg, they walk with a certain arrogance, and their large beaks, which are more than 30 cm long, make them "fearless", which is also the reason why they dare to put their beaks on anything.
In contrast to their feisty character, pelicans are very loyal to marriage. As a rule, pelicans that are successfully paired for the first time as adults will stay together for the rest of their lives. Even if their mates die, the pelicans that remain will rarely find a new partner.
All in all, the pelican is an interesting and lovable animal.