8(5 STORIES OF BIRD LIFE 



ones feeding their young, and at what hour the breakfast 

 came in Pelicanville we did not learn. Although several 

 days were spent in this part of Tampa Bay, pelicans were 

 never noticed fishing within some miles of the breeding 

 grounds. Inasmuch as good fishing could have been found 

 closer, I failed to understand why the birds did not fish in 

 the water surrounding the colony. 



The brown pelican is very large. In an average speci- 

 men across the wings from point to point the distance is 

 six and one-half feet. In length it measures four feet or 

 more. The size of these birds shows to good advantage 

 when they are on the wing. They usually travel in flocks, 

 varying from a dozen to one hundred individuals. The 

 formation on such occasions is that of a single rank as they 

 silently pursue their course from one resting place to an- 

 other. As they proceed their wings beat in perfect unison 

 for a. time, then suddenly the flopping ceases and all sail 

 apparently without effort. Never have I seen birds move 

 with such dignity or with more precision. 



While standing, a pelican usually holds its head high 

 with its bill pointed downward, resting in part on its 

 throat, but if excited, the bird may point its bill almost at 

 right angles to its neck. As one turns to look at you the 

 action is strongly suggestive of the movement of an ele- 

 phant when he swings his head around, the trunk of the 

 one corresponding well to the bill of the other. 



