Pelicans are magnificent large swimming birds. With their dense and short feathers covering their body, pelicans typically measure about 150 cm in length and come in various colors such as white, pink, or light gray-brown.

There are several species of pelicans, with some of them having a wingspan of 3 meters and capable of flying long distances at speeds of over 40 kilometers per hour.

Their most distinctive feature is their beak which is over 30 centimeters long and has a throat pouch formed by the connection of the lower beak shell with the skin. This throat pouch is used to hold food, and is what makes pelicans unique.

Pelicans are often found in groups in the wild, and they enjoy basking on the shore or grooming their feathers. They are highly skilled in fishing, and can easily spot fish in the water whether they are swimming or hovering in the air.

Pelicans have a unique hunting method. They scout the sea from the air not far from the water and when they find prey, they fold their wide wings and dive directly into the water like a cannonball from a height of 15 meters to catch the fish. The huge sound of hitting the water can be heard clearly hundreds of meters away.

These magnificent birds are found in warm waters all over the world and usually inhabit lakes, rivers, as well as coastal and swampy areas. Pelicans are highly social and are good at flying, swimming, and walking on the ground.

In flight, the pelican retracts its neck and head into its body, which reduces its size and makes it easier to fly. Male and female pelicans form a bond during breeding: the male helps the female build a nest on a tree branch and raises the chicks together during the incubation period.

The breeding schedule of pelicans varies by species, with some breeding annually or biennially, and others breeding during specific seasons or throughout the year. The color of their eggs also varies by species, ranging from white to reddish to pale green or blue.

Female pelicans lay eggs in groups, ranging from one to six at a time, and the incubation period for pelican eggs is between 24 and 57 days.

The pelican is also an important cultural symbol. In many cultures, it is considered a symbol of wisdom and wealth, kindness and loyalty. Pelicans are also considered iconic animals in many seaside cities.

In ancient Greek culture, the pelican was a teleporter of the goddess Sinda and was depicted transforming into human form.

Although pelicans are relatively common water birds in nature, their numbers are decreasing due to human activities such as habitat destruction and overfishing of fisheries. Some pelican species are even endangered.

However, with conservation efforts, their numbers are gradually increasing, and many sanctuaries now have pelican conservation programs designed to help the bird population recover.

In summary, pelicans are magnificent and unique birds with fascinating features, and they play an important role in various cultures. It is our responsibility to protect and conserve these beautiful creatures so that they can continue to thrive in the wild.