Pelican

Large waterbird with a distinctive pouch under its beak.

A large waterbird with a distinctive pouch under its beak, used for scooping up fish. Pelicans are found worldwide and typically nest in colonies near water.

Pronunciation

/ˈpɛlɪkən/

Etymology

The word 'pelican' comes from the Greek word 'pelekanos,' meaning 'stork.'

Explain Like I’m 5

Pelicans are big birds that live near water and have a special pouch under their beak to scoop up fish!

Fun Facts

Pelican pouches can hold more than their own weight in fish
Some pelicans dive from heights of up to 60 feet to catch prey
Brown pelicans were once endangered but have recovered thanks to conservation efforts

FAQ

What do pelicans eat? Fish, crustaceans, and amphibians
How do pelicans fly? They soar on air currents using their large wingspans
Where do pelicans live? Coastal areas and wetlands

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

bird water bird

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

brown pelican white pelican pink-backed pelican

Meronyms — Parts or Components

pouch beak

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

bird family avian species

Indexes

animal bird

Built by Tim Jones