Pelicans tend to stay together in large flocks. They are excellent fishers, swooping low to snatch a fish just below water. They have even been seen to have a few of the pelicans flying over a group of fish and chasing them toward shallow water, while the rest of the pelican flock waits patiently to feast on the easy pickings. The North American brown pelican. The most interesting thing about pelicans is their flexible lower bill. It allows the pelican to scoop up water as well as the fish in it, and then let the water drain out of the bill. The fish can then rest in the pocket of the bill until the pelican flies back to a place where it can swallow the fish. About one hundred years ago President Theodore Roosevelt became concerned that pelicans were being killed so fast that they could become extinct. He decided to set aside a place for pelicans to live. Now if you look on a map near Florida, you'll see Pelican Island. Fortunately for the birds of North America, similar bird refuges have been created all across the continent. Return to the Ocean. Outstanding Kids' Magazines ↓  For Your Favorite Little Animal Lover  ↓ Home Animal Research Library About AmericaZoo Lesley Fountain  ♦  P. O. Box 215, Fortuna, CA 95540  ♦  Voicemail 1-214-292-9404 email-us @ americazoo.com