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Genus PELECANUS.

Gen. CoHar. Beak longer than the head,

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long, straight, broad,
mandible channelled, the tp bent down and unguicul

with a flaccid dilatable sac.

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much depressed; the upper

ated ; the lower bifureate, furnished

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Face and throat naked.

Nostrils basal, placed in a longitu-
dinal cleft. Legs strong, short; the tibie naked at the base; the

middle claw with its

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inner edge entire.

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PELICAN.

Pelecanus Onocrotalus, Linn.

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Le Pélican blane.

Tuose of our readers who are desirous of seeing this noble bird in a state of nature ne

ve to gratify their laudable curiosity.
mates of Africa and India constitute its natural habit

Danube and Volga, the extensive lakes of Hungar
in which it dwells in abundance.

ed only pay a visit to
Although the tropical cli-
rs of Europe, such as the
y and Russia, and the shores of the Medite
It is a species strictly confined to the Old World, over a great portion of
which it is plentifully distributed. M. Temminck, who quotes the Pelecanus Philippensis as synonymous

with this bird, states that individuals sent him from Egypt and South Africa do not differ from those t
in Europe.

the southern and eastern portions of Kuro,

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at, nevertheless the eastern rive

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rranean, are places

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The Pelecanus Onocrotalus is a very large species, measuring nearly fiv
of the wings, when spread, about twelve or thirteen feet, and is remarkable both for longevity and for the long
period requisite for the completion of its plumage. The first year’s dress is wholly brown; the feathers of the
back and breast being broad and rounded. The assumption of the lanceolate feathers
pervade the plumage of the adults are only acquired as the bird advances in age ;
which we have opportunities of noticing in a state of partial confinement, it would appear that a lapse of five
or six years is required before it may be considered fully mature.

4 The food of the Pelican is fish of all kinds, in the capture of which it display
ning ; and, although its robust body and immense bill would seem to contradic
so quick that even young fry and eels can scarcely escape its vigilance.

e feet in length, and from tip to tip

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, and the rosy tints that
and, judging from individuals

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s considerable activity and cun-

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t the assertion, its motions are
The same power that renders it so
light and buoyant on the water denies it the means of diving, consequently it is only the small and shallow
inlets of rivers that are resorted to when in search of its food, Occasionally, however, it will rise to a con-
siderable height in the air, from whence, on perceiving a fish, it descends with astonishing swiftness and uner.
ring aim, the rapidity of its descent forcing it beneath the surface, on which its extreme lightness causes it
to reappear instantaneously.
The female constructs a nest on the ground, of coarse reedy grass, generally about a foot and a half in
diameter, and lined with soft grass, laying two or more eggs, which are white, and like those of the Swan,
During the period of incubation it is extremely assiduous in procuring food for its young, carrying it to them
| in the capacious pouch or gullet which forms so conspicuous a feature in this bird, and which is ‘one of the
| most remarkable appendages that is found in the structure of any apmial: Though it contracts nearly into
' | the hollow of the jaws, and the sides to which it is attached are not (in a ee state) above an inch asun-
| der, it may be extended to an amazing capacity ; and when the bird has fished with success, is size is almost
incredible : it will contain a man’s head with the greatest ease. In fishing, the Pelican fills this bag, and ‘does
not immediately swallow his prey ; but, when this is full, he returns to the shore to devour at leisure the fruits
of his industry.” (Shaw’s General Zoology, vol. xiii. Part I. p. 111.)
The Pelican bears confinement remarkably well, particularly if space sufficient be allowed for it to plume
: and wash itself. Fish either dead or alive are voraciously devoured ; and fish in plenty obtained, it appears
| we i it gives the preference to rocky shores, which
Although it possesses the power of perching: oo trees, yet it gives be se a oe ‘a ae i
appear to form the best and most natural situation when in a state of repose. n level g

i runs a line rl e remainder being reddish at the base and
Along the top of the upper mandible runs a line of crimson, the remé g

 

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| : re 7 rreat labour
: ie io" s heavy and apparently effected with great labour.
| awkward and inelegant, and when on wing its flight is heavy and appe yi 5
: __ aa : a5 aked spaces around
yellowish at the tip ; the under mandible pale red; the pouch reddish yellow; the naked spaces aro

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the eyes are flesh colour ; the occiput is slightly crested ; the whole of the plumage is white, a more 2
less with salmon colour, with the exception of the crest and a few pendulous feathers attached to the lower par

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Sa E ee re black ; Jeos flesh colour ;
of the neck, which are pale yellow, and the primaries and spurious wings, Ww hich are ae 5 leg ie 5

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claws grey ; irides hazel. ‘The salmon-coloured tint which pervades the whole of the plumage is cor oat
| daring’ the br
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heightened during the breeding-season.

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i ir size.
We have figured an adult male about one third of the natural

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