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While floating on the water’s surface, the pelican spots a fish swimming below. It thrusts its head under water, scoops up the fish, drains the water from its pouch, and throws back its head to swallow its dinner.

Did You Know?

The large skin pouch that hangs from the pelican’s bill sweeps up more than a gallon of water, along with a fish or two, at a time.

Quick Facts

Latin Name:
Pelecanus rufescens

Range:
Central and southern Africa

Habitat:
Wetlands

Length:
Up to 8 feet

Lifespan:
13 years

Zoo Location:
Africa

Diet:
Mainly fish; some frogs and insects