The Pelican’s Diet: An Overview

Pelicans are known for their impressive diving skills and their ability to scoop fish out of the water with their large bills. But what exactly do they eat? Pelicans are carnivores and primarily feed on fish, but they will also eat crustaceans, amphibians, and occasionally small birds. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever is available.

How Pelicans Catch Their Prey

Pelicans have a unique hunting technique that involves diving from the air into the water to catch fish. They use their keen eyesight to spot schools of fish and then dive down, tucking their wings and using their large bills to scoop up the fish. Pelicans can hold up to three gallons of water in their pouches, which they use to flush out any unwanted debris before swallowing their prey whole.

Pelican Anatomy: The Bill

Pelican bills are a marvel of nature. They are long and flat with a large hook at the end, perfect for scooping up fish. Pelicans also have a flexible lower mandible that allows them to open their mouths wide and swallow large prey whole. Contrary to popular belief, pelicans do not chew their food, but rather their stomachs break down the food through chemical digestion.

What Happens When Pelicans Swallow?

When a pelican swallows its prey, the fish goes down the bird’s throat and into its pouch. The pelican then squeezes its pouch to remove any water and debris, leaving only the fish. The fish then makes its way down the pelican’s esophagus and into its stomach for digestion.

The Myth of Pelicans Chewing Their Food

Contrary to popular belief, pelicans do not chew their food. They rely on their powerful stomach muscles and digestive enzymes to break down their food. While they may appear to be chewing their food due to the movement of their bills, they are actually just manipulating their prey to position it for swallowing.

How Pelicans Digest Their Food

Pelicans have a unique digestive system that allows them to digest bones and other tough materials. Their stomachs are divided into two parts, with the first part containing a gland that secretes digestive enzymes. After the food is partially digested, it moves to the second part of the stomach, where the acid breaks down the remaining material.

Pelican Peculiarities: Gular Pouches

One of the most unique features of pelicans is their gular pouches. These pouches are located under their bills and are used for catching and transporting prey. Pelicans can hold up to three gallons of water in their pouches, which they use to flush out any debris and unwanted prey. The pouches also play a role in thermoregulation, with pelicans using them to cool down on hot days.

Conclusion: The Marvelous Pelican!

Pelicans are truly remarkable birds, with their impressive diving skills, unique hunting techniques, and specialized digestive systems. While they may not chew their food, their bills and gular pouches are marvels of nature. So next time you see a pelican, take a moment to appreciate all the amazing adaptations that make them such successful predators.