KEEL-BREASTED BIRDS. 247 
The Pelicans (Pelecanide), of which two species are 
known in the United States, are distinguished by their 
long beaks hooked at the end, and enormous pouch de- 
pending from the lower mandible. The brown pelican 
(Pelecanus fuscus) (Fig. 282) is common in the South. 
VALUE.—The oil of various gulls is used by the Esquimaux as 
lamp-oil. The breast-feathers of gulls are valuable in trade and used 
as ‘‘ roll-plumes.” 
The White 
Pelican (/P. 
trachyrhynchus) 
ranges from north- 
ern Florida north- 
ward, and former- 
ly bred about the 
Great Salt Lake. 
They never dive 
for fish, but swim 
along, plunging 
their heads into the Fic, 283.—Frigate-bird (Zachypetes aguzla). 
water, relying upon 
their quickness. They shed their crest in a manner some- 
what similar to the casting of a deer’s horns. 
VaLuE.—The brown pelican is eaten at St. Thomas, and the leather 
of the pouch and fur is utilized. 
The Frigate-Birds (Zachypetide), or man-of-war 
hawks (Fig. 283), are confined to the warmer regions. The 
membrane beneath the throat is a bright vermilion. The 
bill is long, sharp, and hooked at the end, the wings long 
and extremely powerful,* the tail forked. On Ascension 
* At Tortugas, Fla., it was the custom of a number of these birds to 
station themselves over the lighthouse about two thousand yards up, 
during the prevalence of the heaviest gales, and through the glass 
they seemed to rest on the wind, the wings being merely outstretched, 
and no movement being noticed except an occasional pitching down, 
