Ready to meet the coolest sea birds around? Say hello to the brown pelican!
They’re like the rock stars of the avian world with their signature look and impressive plunge-diving moves. These cuties hang out on the east coast and love to hit the water in small groups, gliding together in perfect formation. It’s like synchronized swimming, but for birds! Watch them as they skim the surface in search of the freshest seafood or even a tasty crustacean. Trust us, you’ll never want to miss a chance to see these impressive creatures in action!
Pelicans have an incredible wingspan of up to 10 feet, which helps them catch loads of fish when they dive-bomb at speeds of up to 40 mph. But how do they manage to survive these crazy dives? Well, it turns out that these birds are built for speed! They can tuck their long necks back against their chest and their wings act like a shield against the impact of the water. Plus, they have hollow bones which helps keep their weight down, making it easier for them to stay afloat after their dives. So next time you see a pelican in mid-flight, marvel at its incredible ability to survive such high-speed dives!
Take a moment to marvel at the amazing adaptations of birds.
They are able to take death-defying dives without breaking a sweat. How do they do it, you ask? Well, it turns out that their bills play a crucial role in their success. Their bills are shaped in such a way that they experience almost zero “hydrodynamic drag” – a fancy term for the forces caused by the transition from air to water. It’s like the difference between slapping the water with your hand versus chopping it, karate-style.
While all birds have lightweight skeletons, pelicans take it to the next level. When diving to catch their prey, they inflate their special air sacs to cushion the impact, making them the ultimate divers. These inflated sacs also allow them to float effortlessly, like a buoy in the ocean. It’s like having built-in floaties!
The pelican is quite a remarkable bird. Their pouches are not just for show, they actually serve a purpose. In fact, there’s even a limerick that sings their praises – “A remarkable bird is a pelican / Its beak can hold more than its belly can…” But their beak isn’t just a clever fishing tool, it doubles as a parachute too! It’s quite the spectacle to witness as the bird dives into the depths of the water and pops open their beak to slow themselves down. Talk about multi-functional!
