American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) by AestheticPhotos
“And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle,” (Leviticus 11:18 KJV)
Bible Birds – Pelican Introduction
The Pelican is mentioned in three verses in the Bible (KJV). In Leviticus 11:18 and in Deuteronomy 14:17, the Pelican is listed as one of the “Do Not Eat” birds. The Jewish people, from God’s chosen people, were given a list of birds that they were not to eat. [My “Do Not Eat” birds]
In Psalms 102:6, it mentions the Pelican in the wilderness. That will be mentioned in a later article.
Pelicans are huge birds that are larger than swans and have a remarkably enormous bill. The lower part of the bill is like a large pouch or bag that can expand to hold quarts of water. The pelican places the fish they catch in this lower part of the bill.
Brown Pelican with fish in pouch and a Laughing Gull
The White Pelican was recording holding three gallons of water in that pouch. Wow! They belong to the Pelecanidae family which is in the Pelecaniformes Order. There are eight species of Pelicans:
Mature Brown Pelican by Dan at MacDill AFB
Great White Pelican, Pink-backed Pelican, Spot-billed Pelican, Dalmatian Pelican, Australian Pelican, American White Pelican, Brown Pelican, and the Peruvian Pelican.
Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus 