All but one of the world's six pelicans are mainly white in color, and these include the American, eastern European, African and Asian White Pelican. Large birds (62 in. long with a wingspan of 102 in.) with fully webbed feet (webs connect all four toes), pelicans are well known for their long, hook-tipped bill that bears a large, drooping pouch, used to catch and to hold numbers of fish. These are caught by the bird either swimming and scooping or by diving from a height of 30 to 40 feet. At times a group of pelicans work together in attacking schools of fish at the surface, encircling them or driving them into shallow water. (The American White Pelican does not dive for food but dips its bill into the water while swimming.)

Nesting White Pelicans show a tinge of pink in their plumage. The American White Pelican has feathered cheeks, unlike those of other species. They breed in fresh-water marshes, constructing a bulky nest in reedbeds, numbers of birds nesting colonially. Up to four eggs are laid and incubated for 30 days or so. The young are fed regurgitated fish from the adults' bills, and soon they are thrusting their bill deep into the maw of the adult bill to drag out fishes.

Pelicans have suffered serious declines in numbers throughout the world due to toxic effects of some pollutants. It is hoped that these distinctive, comical and interesting birds can be preserved.

The plush toy pelicans includes a Webkinz White Pelican, Beachy the Douglas Brown Pelican and a little Ganz Pelican Miniature Glass figurine. These plush pelicans can be found at our sponsor's online gift shop.

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