142 TOTIPALMATE SWIMMERS — STEGANOPODES. 



it. As a general rule this Pelican does not catch fish more than six inches long ; but 

 occasionally one weighing more than two pounds and a half may be found in its 

 pouch. Like most fish-eaters, the Pelican is a stupid bird, seeming to have no ideas 

 beyond the supplying of its immediate wants. It seems to be a very silent bird; 

 and at times prefers feeding in the twilight. 



Colonel Grayson found this species very abundant at all seasons near Mazatlan, 

 and also near Socorro, on the coast of Western Mexico. Leotaud states that this 

 Pelican is common about the Island of Trinidad, where it is always found on the 

 shores, except during the time of its breeding-season. Dr. Gundlach observed this 

 bird breeding in Cuba, where he obtained its eggs. Mr. Gosse also found it abundant 

 about Jamaica, in the neighborhood of Bluefield Bay. The latter mentions, as a 

 matter worthy of observation, that the Pelican invariably performs a somerset under 

 the surface of the water ; for, descending diagonally, the head emerges turned in the 

 opposite direction from that in which it was looking before diving. In alighting on 

 the water to swim, the Pelican brings its feet into a standing position, and slides 

 along the surface for several yards before it swims. Its pouch is said to hold seven- 

 teen pints of water. 



Mr. Dresser found this bird common in Southwestern Texas in June, July, and 

 August, and abundant in Galveston in June. 



Major Wedderburn records the capture of two specimens of this species in Ber- 

 muda. Mr. J. A. Allen also mentions (" Naturalist," IV. 58) that a flock of five 

 of these birds came in from the sea in a storm, apparently much fatigued, and 

 alighted on the beach near Sankaty Head Lighthouse, Nantucket, where they remained 

 until they were driven away by being fired at. This is the only instance, so far as I 

 am aware, of the occurrence of this Pelican in New England. 



Mr. N. B. Moore, of Sarasota, Fla., writes me that he has known this bird capture 

 its prey without plunging into the water, by thrusting its bill forward among the 

 shoal of small fry. 



In Florida, where the Brown Pelican is a constant resident, Audubon has never 

 known it to enter fresh-water streams in the manner of the White Pelican. He states 

 that it is rarely seen north of Cape Hatteras. It was formerly quite common at 

 Charleston, S. C, but is now comparatively rare there ; and is not known to breed 

 north of the salt-water inlets fifty miles south of St. Augustine. On the ground the 

 Pelican walks heavily, and when it attempts to run, does so very clumsily, stretching 

 out its neck, partially extending its wings, and reeling from side to side. It usually 

 keeps in flocks of about fifty individuals, of both sexes, and of different ages. Audu- 

 bon found it nesting on the tops of the mangroves — usually on the southwest 

 side. The nests were composed of sticks laid crossways until a strong platform is 

 constructed ; the inner nest, a shallow basin, being made with fine roots and with- 

 ered plants ; these nests were often placed side by side, covering the top of the tree. 

 The eggs are usually three in number, elliptical in shape, and averaging 3.13 inches i 

 in length by 2.13 in breadth; the shell is thick and rough, and of a chalky-white 

 color. When fresh the eggs have a rosy tint, and are usually more or less stained 

 and discolored. 



Eggs in the Smithsonian Collection, from the Tortugas, Ela. (No. 2955), are of a 

 uniform pinkish chalky-white color. Three present the following measurements : 

 2.95 by 1.90 inches, 2.90 by 2.00 ; 2.85 by 2.00. 



