Genus PELECANUS. 
Gen. Cuar. Beak longer than the head, long, straight, broad, much depressed; the upper 
mandible channelled, the tip bent down and unguiculated ; the lower bifurcate, furnished 
with a flaccid dilatable sac. Face and throat naked. -Nostrils basal, placed in a longitu- 
dinal cleft. Legs strong, short; the tibize naked at the base; the middle claw with its 
inner edge entire. 
PELICAN. 
Pelecanus Onocrotalus, Linn. 
Le Pélican blane. 
Tuose of our readers who are desirous of seeing this noble bird in a state of nature need only pay a visit to 
the southern and eastern portions of Europe to gratify their laudable curiosity. Although the tropical cli- 
mates of Africa and India constitute its natural habitat, nevertheless the eastern rivers of Europe, such as the 
Danube and Volga, the extensive lakes of Hungary and Russia, and the shores of the Mediterranean, are places 
in which it dwells in abundance. It is a species strictly confined to the Old World, over a great portion of 
which it is plentifully distributed. M.'Temminck, who quotes the Pelecanus Philippensis as synonymous 
with this bird, states that individuals sent him from Egypt and South Africa do not differ from those taken 
in Europe. 
The Pelecanus Onocrotalus is a very large species, measuring nearly five feet in length, and from tip to tip 
of the wings, when spread, about twelve or thirteen feet, and is remarkable both for longevity and for the long 
period requisite for the completion of its plumage. The first year’s dress is wholly brown ; the feathers of the 
back and breast being broad and rounded. The assumption of the lanceolate feathers, and the rosy tints that 
pervade the plumage of the adults are only acquired as the bird advances in age ; and, judging from individuals 
which we have opportunities of noticing in a state of partial confinement, it would appear that a lapse of five 
or six years is required before it may be considered fully mature. 
The food of the Pelican is fish of all kinds, in the capture of which it displays considerable activity and cun- 
ning; and, although its robust body and immense bill would seem to contradict the assertion, its motions are 
so quick that. even young fry and eels can scarcely escape its vigilance. ‘The same power that renders it so 
light and buoyant on the water denies it the means of diving, consequently it is only the small and shallow 
inlets of rivers that are resorted to when in search of its food. Occasionally, however, it will rise to a con- 
siderable height in the air, from whence, on perceiving a fish, it descends with astonishing swiftness and uner_ 
ring aim, the rapidity of its descent forcing it, beneath the surface, on which its extreme lightness causes it 
to reappear instantaneously. 
The female constructs a nest on the ground, of coarse reedy grass, generally about a foot and a half in 
diameter, and lined with soft grass, laying two or more egos, which are white, and like those of the Swan, 
During the period of incubation it is extremely assiduous in procuring food for its young, carrying it to them 
in the capacious pouch or gullet which forms so conspicuous a feature in this bird, and which is ‘‘ one of the 
most remarkable appendages that is found in the structure of any animal. Though it contracts nearly into 
the hollow of the jaws, and the sides to which itis attached are not (in a quiescent state) above an inch asun- 
der, it may be extended to an amazing capacity ; and when the bird has fished with success, its size is almost 
incredible : it will contain a man’s head with the greatest ease. In fishing, the Pelican fills this bag, and does 
not immediately swallow his prey ; but, when this is full, he returns to the shore to devour at leisure the fruits 
of his industry.” (Shaw’s General Zoology, vol. xii. Part I. p. 111.) . 
The Pelican bears confinement remarkably well, particularly if space sufficient be allowed for it to plume 
and wash itself. Fish either dead or alive are voraciously devoured ; and fish in plenty obtained, it appears 
content and satisfied. 
Although it possesses the power of perching on trees, yet it gives the preference to rocky shores, which 
appear to form the best and most natural situation when in a state of repose. On level ground its walk is 
awkward and inelegant, and when on wing its flight is heavy and apparently effected with great labour. 
Along the top of the upper mandible runs a line of crimson, the remainder being reddish at the base and 
yellowish at the tip; the under mandible pale red; the pouch reddish yellow; the naked spaces around 
the eyes are flesh colour ; the occiput is slightly crested ; the whole of the plumage is white, tinged more or 
less with salmon colour, with the exception of the crest and a few pendulous feathers attached to the lower part 
of the neck, which are pale yellow, and the primaries and spurious wings, which are black ; legs flesh colour ; 
claws grey ; irides hazel. The salmon-coloured tint which pervades the whole of the plumage is considerably 
heightened during the breeding-season. 
We have figured an adult male about one third of the natural size. 
