228 THE TOWER MENAGERIE. 
the greater number of them are also endowed with very 
considerable powers of flight. 
Linneus united under the common title of Pelicans, 
the Cormorants, the Boobies, and several other birds, 
which differ from the typical species of the genus by 
many important characters, the chief point of agreement 
between them consisting in the form and extent of the 
membrane which unites the toes. The Linnean group 
has subsequently been raised to the rank of a family, 
and its component parts form several distinct genera, 
that which comprehends the true Pelicans, the genus 
Onocrotalus of Brisson, being characterized as follows. 
Their bill is of very great length, straight, broad, flat- 
tened above, and terminated by a slight hook; the lower 
mandible consists of two lateral branches, united at the 
point, and having interposed between them a mem- 
branous pouch capable of very great dilatation; their 
four toes are all enveloped to the very apex in the com- 
mon membrane; their legs are short, strong, and main- 
tain the body in a state of equilibrium, their lower part 
being entirely destitute of feathers. 
With the exception of the quill-feathers of the wings, 
which are black, the plumage of the Pelican in the 
Tower is throughout of an extremely light and delicate 
flesh-colour, varied only by occasional darker tinges. 
The head and upper part of the neck are clothed with a 
short down, except on the temples, which are naked and 
flesh-coloured ; the upper mandible is of a dull yellow 
in the middle, with a reddish tinge towards the edges, 
and a blood-red spot on its curved extremity ; and the 
pouch is of a bright straw-colour. 
The Pelican is one of the largest water-birds, consider- 
