PELICAN
The
endangered Pelican is a large bird that lives near water. There are seven species worldwide. The Brown
Pelican being the smallest lives along the coasts of North and South America. The six other species inhabit
rivers and shallow lakes in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. Pelicans have a long, straight
bill with a flexible pouch that can be greatly expanded under water and is used like a net to catch fish. Pelicans
have webbed feet, are strong swimmers and skilled fliers but clumsy on land. Pelicans, while flying are almost
always seen in flocks of up to 1,000 birds. The birds soar upward in graceful circles on a rising current of hot air
called a thermal. They often soar so high they disappear from sight. Pelicans nest in large colonies, some nest in
trees and others in small hollows on the ground, usually on islands. Formerly widespread Pelicans suffer severe
declines due to persecution by fishermen, and drainage and development of their habitat. Large-scale
agricultural use of pesticides, especially DDT has endangered Pelicans. DDT was widely used on crops, rains
washed the pesticide into rivers and lakes, and Pelicans absorbed it into their bodies by eating contaminated
fish. Pelicans laid abnormally thin-shelled eggs that broke open easily, few chicks were born and Pelican
populations declined.
The 'Paradisia Collection' wildlife design portrays
the beauty of the inquisitive and perky Pelicans surrounded by sea stars and beach shells.
Paradisia Collection
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