"A Pelican's Patience" Original Artwork

Pelicans are not capable of sustained flapping flight, but can remain in the air for 24 hours, covering hundreds of kilometres, reaching air speeds of up to 56 km/hour.

Pelicans plunge their bills into the water, using their pouches as nets. Once something is caught, a pelican draws its pouch to its breast. This empties the water and allows the bird to manoeuvre the prey into a swallowing position.

During the courtship period, the bill and pouch of the birds change colour dramatically. The forward half of the pouch becomes bright salmon pink, while the skin of the pouch in the throat region turns chrome yellow.

Sourced from: https://australian.museum/learn/animals/birds/australian-pelican/