Pelican

The pelican (also called boolo or boolo-badeed in Somali) is the common name for waterbirds of the genus Pelecanus. They are among the largest flying birds in the world. Their most distinctive features are a long bill with a pouch, and a large throat pouch attached beneath the bill, which they use to catch and hold fish and other prey.

Pelicans live along coasts, in estuaries, rivers, and inland water systems in both fresh and saltwater environments. They are found on most continents except Antarctica. They typically live in groups and hunt and rest together.

Body Structure

The body is large and broad-winged. The wingspan of many species reaches several meters. The legs are short, and the feet are webbed (a condition called palamate feet), which aids in swimming. The throat pouch is highly expandable; when fish are caught, water is drained out before the bird swallows its catch. The pouch is not a storage compartment for food.

Feeding Habits

The primary diet is fish, though they also consume small aquatic animals. Some species hunt by diving while flying, herding fish into shallow water in groups and then scooping them up. Another species, such as the brown pelican of the Pacific and Atlantic (Pelecanus occidentalis), plunges from the air into the water to catch fish. Kleptoparasitism—stealing food from other birds or stealing from them—is commonly observed.

Reproduction

Pelicans build nests on islands, in trees, or on bare ground in protected locations, often in large colonies. Clutch size is usually two to three eggs; both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks. Chicks begin feeding on food regurgitated by their parents, which they take from the parent's bill. They remain dependent on their parents for many weeks before they are fully able to fly.

Human Interaction and Conservation Status

Pelicans are found along the Somali coast, particularly around ports and areas of commercial fishing. Fishermen sometimes view them as competitors for fish or as threats to fishing nets. General threats to species include loss of wetland habitats, pollution, and disruption of nesting sites. Some species have stable populations, while others are protected.