PELICAN ANATOMY

These seabirds are built to be nature’s fishermen

BUBBLE-WRAPPED BODY

Beneath the skin of a pelican is a network of air sacs connected to the respiratory system. These air sacs act as a kind of bubble wrap to protect the bird when it dives into the water.

BUILT-IN SWIMMING GOGGLES

Pelicans have a membrane, or ‘third eyelid’ that covers their eye to protect it while diving.

WHALE-LIKE BALEEN

Much like a whale’s baleen, pelicans have pouch pleats that fold up like an accordion when the pouch is empty and expand when the pouch is full.

BLOCKED NOSTRILS

Patches of skin prevent water from entering the pelican’s nostrils while underwater.

FISHING POUCH

This part of the mouth acts as a fishing net. Multiple bones and connective tissue in the pouch allow it to expand when filled with water and fish.

LOWER JAW

The lower jaw of the pelican acts as support for the bird’s large skin pouch.