Pelicans - Family Overview

Pelicans belong to the family Pelecanidae, a group of very large waterbirds easily recognised by their long bills and expandable throat pouches.

They are highly specialised fish-eaters, using their pouches to scoop up fish while swimming at the water’s surface. Feeding may be done individually or cooperatively, with groups working together to herd fish into shallow water.

Pelicans have broad wings and are strong flyers, often soaring on thermals for long distances despite their large size. Their plumage is generally pale, ranging from white to grey, with darker flight feathers.

The family has a wide global distribution, occurring on all continents except Antarctica. Pelicans inhabit coastal waters, large lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and wetlands.

In India, pelicans are found mainly in large freshwater wetlands, reservoirs, and estuaries, with some species being resident breeders and others occurring seasonally.

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Licensing & Prints

Photographs and videos of pelicans from India and around the world are available for licensing and prints.

Explore the Pelicans collection here:
https://shop.birdsphotos.net/pelicans