Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Adaptation
The American white pelicans are superb soarers, and have a deep layer of special fibers in their breast muscles which allow them to keep their wings horizontal for gliding during flight. This feature enables pelicans, using thermal updrafts, to make daily foraging trips of more than 100 miles. This greatly enlarges their potential feeding area. They have short, strong legs and webbed feet that facilitate swimming. Also, pelican plumage is waterproof due to secretions of the preen gland, which the bird rubs with the back of its head before transferring oil to its plumage. Another adaptation found in all birds are hollow bones, which give them the light weight that is required for flying. Pelicans also have a distinct beak shape that allows them to scoop fish and drain water.
To see what animals this pelican is a predator of, visit the nutrition page.