Pelican (Pelecanidae)

The pelican is an excellent fisher. They dive into the water,  scooping fish with their beaks which can hold up to three gallons  and act as drip nets.  They often fish in teams, driving schools toward shore.  Christianity has taken them as a symbol of self sacrifice because they are said to have plucked their breasts, drawing  blood to feed their young.

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Revised: November 2005