PELICANIFORMES of Africa
The Pelecaniformes order is in a state of flux. The order was originally defined to include birds that have feet with four web toes. Most members also have non functional nostril slits. They feed on fish or similar marine life. However, many of these species have obtained these features by convergemt evolution and not because of common ancestory. At least one new order will probably be formed.
Pelicans
Order Pelicaniformes Family Pelecanidae - 1 genus
Pelicans are large birds with a big throat pouch which they use for fishing. They primarily inhabit warm regions. Pelicans swim well with short, strong legs and feet that have four webbed toes. A layer of special fibers deep in the breast muscles can hold the wings rigidly horizontal for gliding and soaring. Pelicans rub the backs of their heads on their preen glands to pick up its oily secretion, which they transfer to their plumage to waterproof it. The diet of a Pelican consists mainly of fish. They often catch the fish by expanding the throat pouch which must be drained above the surface before they can swallow. The white pelicans often fish in groups by forming a line to chase schools of small fish into shallow water where they then scoop the fish up. The brown pelican of North America usually plunge-dives for its prey. Some other species occasionally plunge-dive. [abstracted from Wikipedia]
Genus Pelecanus
Pelican, Great White aka White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus Found: Europe, Asia, Africa
Photographed by: 1) Dick Daniels - De Hoop, South AFrica 2) Sandy Cole - De Hoop, South Africa
3, 4) Dick - Nepal 5) Dick - Nepal
Pelican, Pink-backed Pelecanus rufescens Found: Africa
Photographed by: 1, 3) Dick Daniels - Jacksonville Zoo, Florida 2) Dick - Jacksonville Zoo
All photos on this site are available for general use. Please credit the photographer. Some images have additional constraints such as no commercial use or no modifications. Click the photo credit link for details. Dick Daniels, webmaster.