Pelicans are a genus of large water birds that makes up the family Pelecanidae. They are characterised by a long beak and a large throat
pouch used for catching prey and draining water from the scooped up contents before
swallowing. They have predominantly pale plumage, the exceptions being the brown and Peruvian
pelicans. The bills, pouches and bare facial skin
of all species become brightly coloured before the breeding season. Source
