The Australian Pelican
April 14th 2009 01:36
Going through my photos, I came across quite a few of pelicans - specifically the Australian Pelican, Pelecanus conspicillatus - which got me wondering why that was.
Well, there are lots of them around for one. They’re huge (don’t need the zoom), they don’t take off when I get close, and they’re quite photogenic with their contrasting black and white feathers and long, pink bills.
I’d chosen some pictures of pelicans to post and thought I’d look for some interesting facts to accompany them and learn a few things while I’m at it.
What I learned was that their bills can hold up to 13 litres and are not used to hold food for lengthy periods of time but are used for the short-term. They use the pouch to net their prey; then they would push their pouches against their breasts to get rid of the water before swallowing.
The bill and pouch change colour during courtship. Half the pouch becomes bright salmon pink and the other half closer to the throat, chrome yellow. Parts of the bill turn to cobalt blue and a black strip also appears from the base to the tip.
The most complementary (albeit slightly perturbing) titbit of information to go with one of my photos, however, has to do with the pelican’s diet.
In periods of starvation, pelicans have been reported to eat seagulls and ducklings. Pelicans are said to hold seagulls under water to drown them before eating them headfirst.
Between a pelican and water… Fly, you fool!
Facts and figures sourced from Australian Museum Online
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Comment by Janet Collins
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I didn't know these facts about them. That is interesting.
Comment by katyzzz
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Comment by Lilla
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I just loved walking with you through these pictures .. wonderful birdies pelicans.
I can just watch them for hours too. . . especially when they are landing, they crack me up ~ it*s so hit and miss isn*t it?
Researching my book I found out a lot about their mythology in certain cultures, how the mother pelican will pluck her breast feathers out till she bled to feed her young?
In Totem animal magic they symbolise nurturing and seeing one augurs the opportunity for you to forgive yourself or someone insome way. They also suggest taht you can go ahead and take the plunge with respect to an opportunity about to present itself to you.
Pelican magic also says its time to free yourself from what is weighing you down. It is time to focus on co operation with others rather than competation at this time, particularly if you are involved in some major project with others.
Lilla . .
Comment by The Rusty Can
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What sort of book are you writing? Have you written a post on it that you can direct me to? I'd love to know more about your project.