Genus PELECANUS.
G e n . Char. Beak lo n g er th a n th e head, long, straig h t, broad, much dep ressed ; the u p p e r
m andible channelled, th e t ip b e n t d own an d u nguiculated ; th e low e r bifurcate, furnished
w ith a flaccid d ilatable sac. Face an d throat naked. Nostrils basal, placed in a longitud
inal cleft. Legs stro n g , sh o rt ; th e tibiae n aked a t th e base ; the middle claw with its
in n e r edge entire:
PELICAN.
Pelecanus Onocrotalus, Linn.
Le Pélican blanc.
T hose o f our readers who are desirous of seeing this noble bird in a state o f nature need only pay a visit to
the southern and eastern portions of Europe to gratify their laudable curiosity. Although the tropical climates
of Africa and India constitute its natural habitat, nevertheless the eastern rivers of Europe, such as the
Danube and Volga, the extensive lakes of Hungary and Russia, and the shores of the Mediterranean, are places
in which it dwells in abundance. It is a species strictly confined to the Old World, over a great portion of
which it is plentifully distributed. M. Temminck, who quotes the Pelecanus Philippensis as synonymous
with this bird, states that individuals sent him from Egypt and South Africa do not differ from those taken
in Europe.
The Pelecanus Onocrotalus is a very large species, measuring nearly five feet in length, and from tip to tip
of the wings, when spread, about twelve or thirteen feet, and is remarkable both for longevity and for the long
period requisite for the completion o f its plumage. The first year’s dress is wholly brown ; the feathers of the
back and breast being broad and rounded. The assumption of the lanceolate feathers, and the rosy tints that
pervade the plumage of the adults are only acquired as the bird advances in age ; and, judging from individuals
which we have opportunities of noticing in a state of partial confinement, it would appear that a lapse of five
or six years is required before it may be considered fully mature.
The food of the Pelican is fish of all kinds, in the capture of which it displays considerable activity and cunning
; and, although its robust body and immense bill would seem to contradict the assertion, its motions are
so quick that even young fry and eels can scarcely escape its vigilance. The same power that renders it so
light and buoyant on the water denies it the means of diving, consequently it is only the small and shallow
inlets of rivers that are resorted to when in search of its food. Occasionally, however, it will rise to a considerable
height in the air, from whence, on perceiving a fish, it descends with astonishing swiftness and uner.
ring aim, the rapidity of its descent forcing' it beneath the surface, on which its extreme lightness causes it
to reappear instantaneously.
The female constructs a nest on the ground, of coarse reedy grass, generally about a foot and a half in
diameter, and lined with soft grass, laying two or more eggs, which are white, and like those of the Swan,
During the period of incubation it is extremely assiduous in procuring food for its young, carrying it to them
in the capacious pouch or gullet which forms so conspicuous a feature in this bird, and which is “ one of the
most remarkable appendages that is found in the structure of any animal. Though it contracts nearly into
the hollow of the jaws, and the sides to which it is attached are not (in a quiescent state) above an inch asunder,
it may be extended to an amazing capacity ; and when the bird has fished with success, its size is almost
incredible : it will contain a man’s head with the greatest ease. In fishing, the Pelican fills this bag, and does
not immediately swallow his prey ; but, when this is full, he returns to the shore to devour at leisure the fruits
of his industry.” (Shaw’s General Zoology, vol. xiii. Part I. p. 1 1 1 .)
The Pelican bears confinement remarkably well, particularly if space sufficient be allowed for it to plume
and wash itself. Fish either dead or alive are voraciously devoured ; and fish in plenty obtained, it appears
content and satisfied.
Although it possesses the power of perching on trees, yet it gives the preference to rocky shores, which
appear to form the best and most natural situation when in a state of repose, On level ground its walk is
awkward and inelegant, and when on wing its flight is heavy and apparently effected with great labour.
Along the top of the upper mandible runs a line of crimson, the remainder being reddish at the base and
yellowish at the tip ; die under mandible pale red ; the pouch reddish yellow ; the naked spaces around
the eyes are flesh colour ; the occiput is slightly crested ; the whole of the plumage is white, tinged more or
less with salmon colour, with the exception of the crest and a few pendulous feathers attached to the lower part
o f the neck, which are pale yellow, and the primaries and spurious wings, which are black ; legs flesh colour ;
claws grey ; irides hazel. The salmon-coloured tint which pervades the whole of the plumage is considerably
heightened during the breeding-season.
We have figured an adult male about one third of the natural size.