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Pelecaniformes: Pelicans and Cormorants

File:Brown pelicans and cormorant in La Jolla (70769).jpg ...

File:Brown pelicans and cormorant in La Jolla (70769).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Brown pelicans and cormorant in La Jolla (70769).jpg ...

File:Brown pelicans and cormorant in La Jolla (70769).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Cormorant with fish (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Cormorant with fish (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Dalmatian Pelican and Great Cormorant in danube delta.jpg ...

File:Dalmatian Pelican and Great Cormorant in danube delta.jpg ...

en.m.wikipedia.org
Great cormorant | pelican | Flickr

Great cormorant | pelican | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Moriches Bay Cormorants | Colony of Double-crested Cormorant… | Flickr

Moriches Bay Cormorants | Colony of Double-crested Cormorant… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Pelican and Cormorant on Almaden Lake | Don DeBold | Flickr

Pelican and Cormorant on Almaden Lake | Don DeBold | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Australian Pelican, Australian Pied Cormorant, Little Blac… | Flickr

Australian Pelican, Australian Pied Cormorant, Little Blac… | Flickr

flickr.com
Brown pelican and cormorant | Björn Lammers | Flickr

Brown pelican and cormorant | Björn Lammers | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:A cormorant, an ibis and a pelican standing near the water ...

File:A cormorant, an ibis and a pelican standing near the water ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Pelikan Walvis Bay.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the free ...

File:Pelikan Walvis Bay.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the free ...

simple.m.wikipedia.org
File:White Pelican, head.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:White Pelican, head.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Brown pelican in flight (Bodega Bay).jpg - Wikipedia

File:Brown pelican in flight (Bodega Bay).jpg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org
File:Brown Pelican open mouth.JPG - Wikipedia

File:Brown Pelican open mouth.JPG - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
Pelicans Eye-01+ | Pelican Eye-ing Photographer | John | Flickr

Pelicans Eye-01+ | Pelican Eye-ing Photographer | John | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Dead Pelican | Mike Prince | Flickr

Dead Pelican | Mike Prince | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Pelican Loaf on the Oceanside Pier | This pelican hit every … | Flickr

Pelican Loaf on the Oceanside Pier | This pelican hit every … | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Brown Pelican, Red Mangrove | A happy young brown pelican fl… | Flickr

Brown Pelican, Red Mangrove | A happy young brown pelican fl… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
white pelican chick | Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge, N… | Flickr

white pelican chick | Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge, N… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Pelecanus erythrorhynchos at Las Gallinas Wildlife Ponds.jpg ...

File:Pelecanus erythrorhynchos at Las Gallinas Wildlife Ponds.jpg ...

en.wikipedia.org
File:Microcarbo melanoleucos Austins Ferry 3.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Microcarbo melanoleucos Austins Ferry 3.jpg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org
File:Double-crested cormorant at Sutro Baths-6460.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Double-crested cormorant at Sutro Baths-6460.jpg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org
File:Flightless Cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi) -swimming.jpg ...

File:Flightless Cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi) -swimming.jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
Double-crested Cormorant Flying | Double-crested Cormorant (… | Flickr

Double-crested Cormorant Flying | Double-crested Cormorant (… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Great Cormorant | A Great Cormorant drying its wings. | Leo | Flickr

Great Cormorant | A Great Cormorant drying its wings. | Leo | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Little Pied Cormorant | Little Pied Cormorant drying its win… | Flickr

Little Pied Cormorant | Little Pied Cormorant drying its win… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
A colony of Double crested cormorants, juvenile Great corm… | Flickr

A colony of Double crested cormorants, juvenile Great corm… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Little pied cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleucos) Freycinet.jpg ...

File:Little pied cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleucos) Freycinet.jpg ...

en.wikipedia.org
File:Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) (14).JPG - Wikimedia Commons

File:Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) (14).JPG - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
Great Cormorant with Double-crested Cormorants | Lifer and r… | Flickr

Great Cormorant with Double-crested Cormorants | Lifer and r… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Pato aguja africano (Anhinga rufa), parque nacional de Chobe ...

File:Pato aguja africano (Anhinga rufa), parque nacional de Chobe ...

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Oriental darter at Bali Bird Park 03.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Oriental darter at Bali Bird Park 03.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), Orienta… | Flickr

Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), Orienta… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Darter, or Shag (Male) | Distinctive Australian fishing bird… | Flickr

Darter, or Shag (Male) | Distinctive Australian fishing bird… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Darter | Snakebird or Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster)… | Flickr

Darter | Snakebird or Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster)… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Australian Darter commonly known as snake bird | PsJeremy | Flickr

Australian Darter commonly known as snake bird | PsJeremy | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Beak-harpoon of Darter bird | Australian water bird Anhinga … | Flickr

Beak-harpoon of Darter bird | Australian water bird Anhinga … | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Darter Perched Vedanthangal TN Feb22 D72 22961.jpg ...

File:Darter Perched Vedanthangal TN Feb22 D72 22961.jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:African Darter, Anhinga rufa at Marievale Nature Reserve ...

File:African Darter, Anhinga rufa at Marievale Nature Reserve ...

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) 21-Mar-2007 6-10-09 AM ...

File:Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) 21-Mar-2007 6-10-09 AM ...

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Male Galápagos greater frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Male Galápagos greater frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Magnificent Frigatebird at the Galapagos.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Magnificent Frigatebird at the Galapagos.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Male Galápagos greater frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Male Galápagos greater frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Magnificent frigatebird tandem above Belize.jpg - Wikimedia ...

File:Magnificent frigatebird tandem above Belize.jpg - Wikimedia ...

commons.wikimedia.org
Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) | Able to soar… | Flickr

Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) | Able to soar… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) | Frigatebirds… | Flickr

Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) | Frigatebirds… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Magnificent frigatebird | The magnificent frigatebird (Frega… | Flickr

Magnificent frigatebird | The magnificent frigatebird (Frega… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Female Great Frigate Bird and Chick | Another female tending… | Flickr

Female Great Frigate Bird and Chick | Another female tending… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Magnificent frigatebird, purple sheen | Brian Gratwicke | Flickr

Magnificent frigatebird, purple sheen | Brian Gratwicke | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Male Frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Male Frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org
Pelicans and cormorants are key members of the order Pelecaniformes.
Pelecaniformes are a fascinating order of water birds that include pelicans, cormorants, and their close relatives. Members of this group are characterized by webbed feet that are fully connected by skin (totipalmate), a trait that aids in swimming. They often have specialized bills for catching fish, and many show remarkable cooperative feeding behaviors.
  • Include pelicans, cormorants, herons (in some classifications), and related species.
  • Webbed feet (totipalmate) connect all four toes, unique among birds.
  • Primarily fish-eaters, with specialized beaks and feeding strategies.
  • Some species show cooperative hunting, enhancing feeding efficiency.
All Pelecaniformes have totipalmate webbing, meaning all four toes are connected by skin.
Pelecaniformes have totipalmate feet, a fish-based diet, and sometimes cooperative feeding.
Frigatebirds and darters are sometimes included in Pelecaniformes along with pelicans and cormorants.
Modern Pelecaniformes appeared about 60 million years ago.

Examples of Pelecaniformes

File:Brown pelicans and cormorant in La Jolla (70769).jpg ...

File:Brown pelicans and cormorant in La Jolla (70769).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Brown pelicans and cormorant in La Jolla (70769).jpg ...

File:Brown pelicans and cormorant in La Jolla (70769).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Cormorant with fish (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Cormorant with fish (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Dalmatian Pelican and Great Cormorant in danube delta.jpg ...

File:Dalmatian Pelican and Great Cormorant in danube delta.jpg ...

en.m.wikipedia.org
Great cormorant | pelican | Flickr

Great cormorant | pelican | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Moriches Bay Cormorants | Colony of Double-crested Cormorant… | Flickr

Moriches Bay Cormorants | Colony of Double-crested Cormorant… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Pelican and Cormorant on Almaden Lake | Don DeBold | Flickr

Pelican and Cormorant on Almaden Lake | Don DeBold | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Australian Pelican, Australian Pied Cormorant, Little Blac… | Flickr

Australian Pelican, Australian Pied Cormorant, Little Blac… | Flickr

flickr.com
Brown pelican and cormorant | Björn Lammers | Flickr

Brown pelican and cormorant | Björn Lammers | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:A cormorant, an ibis and a pelican standing near the water ...

File:A cormorant, an ibis and a pelican standing near the water ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Pelikan Walvis Bay.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the free ...

File:Pelikan Walvis Bay.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the free ...

simple.m.wikipedia.org
File:White Pelican, head.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:White Pelican, head.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Brown pelican in flight (Bodega Bay).jpg - Wikipedia

File:Brown pelican in flight (Bodega Bay).jpg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org
File:Brown Pelican open mouth.JPG - Wikipedia

File:Brown Pelican open mouth.JPG - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
Pelicans Eye-01+ | Pelican Eye-ing Photographer | John | Flickr

Pelicans Eye-01+ | Pelican Eye-ing Photographer | John | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Dead Pelican | Mike Prince | Flickr

Dead Pelican | Mike Prince | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Pelican Loaf on the Oceanside Pier | This pelican hit every … | Flickr

Pelican Loaf on the Oceanside Pier | This pelican hit every … | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Brown Pelican, Red Mangrove | A happy young brown pelican fl… | Flickr

Brown Pelican, Red Mangrove | A happy young brown pelican fl… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
white pelican chick | Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge, N… | Flickr

white pelican chick | Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge, N… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Pelecanus erythrorhynchos at Las Gallinas Wildlife Ponds.jpg ...

File:Pelecanus erythrorhynchos at Las Gallinas Wildlife Ponds.jpg ...

en.wikipedia.org
File:Microcarbo melanoleucos Austins Ferry 3.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Microcarbo melanoleucos Austins Ferry 3.jpg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org
File:Double-crested cormorant at Sutro Baths-6460.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Double-crested cormorant at Sutro Baths-6460.jpg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org
File:Flightless Cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi) -swimming.jpg ...

File:Flightless Cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi) -swimming.jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
Double-crested Cormorant Flying | Double-crested Cormorant (… | Flickr

Double-crested Cormorant Flying | Double-crested Cormorant (… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Great Cormorant | A Great Cormorant drying its wings. | Leo | Flickr

Great Cormorant | A Great Cormorant drying its wings. | Leo | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Little Pied Cormorant | Little Pied Cormorant drying its win… | Flickr

Little Pied Cormorant | Little Pied Cormorant drying its win… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
A colony of Double crested cormorants, juvenile Great corm… | Flickr

A colony of Double crested cormorants, juvenile Great corm… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Little pied cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleucos) Freycinet.jpg ...

File:Little pied cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleucos) Freycinet.jpg ...

en.wikipedia.org
File:Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) (14).JPG - Wikimedia Commons

File:Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) (14).JPG - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
Great Cormorant with Double-crested Cormorants | Lifer and r… | Flickr

Great Cormorant with Double-crested Cormorants | Lifer and r… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Pato aguja africano (Anhinga rufa), parque nacional de Chobe ...

File:Pato aguja africano (Anhinga rufa), parque nacional de Chobe ...

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Oriental darter at Bali Bird Park 03.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Oriental darter at Bali Bird Park 03.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), Orienta… | Flickr

Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), Orienta… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Darter, or Shag (Male) | Distinctive Australian fishing bird… | Flickr

Darter, or Shag (Male) | Distinctive Australian fishing bird… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Darter | Snakebird or Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster)… | Flickr

Darter | Snakebird or Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster)… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Australian Darter commonly known as snake bird | PsJeremy | Flickr

Australian Darter commonly known as snake bird | PsJeremy | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Beak-harpoon of Darter bird | Australian water bird Anhinga … | Flickr

Beak-harpoon of Darter bird | Australian water bird Anhinga … | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Darter Perched Vedanthangal TN Feb22 D72 22961.jpg ...

File:Darter Perched Vedanthangal TN Feb22 D72 22961.jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:African Darter, Anhinga rufa at Marievale Nature Reserve ...

File:African Darter, Anhinga rufa at Marievale Nature Reserve ...

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) 21-Mar-2007 6-10-09 AM ...

File:Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) 21-Mar-2007 6-10-09 AM ...

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Male Galápagos greater frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Male Galápagos greater frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Magnificent Frigatebird at the Galapagos.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Magnificent Frigatebird at the Galapagos.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Male Galápagos greater frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Male Galápagos greater frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Magnificent frigatebird tandem above Belize.jpg - Wikimedia ...

File:Magnificent frigatebird tandem above Belize.jpg - Wikimedia ...

commons.wikimedia.org
Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) | Able to soar… | Flickr

Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) | Able to soar… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) | Frigatebirds… | Flickr

Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) | Frigatebirds… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Magnificent frigatebird | The magnificent frigatebird (Frega… | Flickr

Magnificent frigatebird | The magnificent frigatebird (Frega… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Female Great Frigate Bird and Chick | Another female tending… | Flickr

Female Great Frigate Bird and Chick | Another female tending… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Magnificent frigatebird, purple sheen | Brian Gratwicke | Flickr

Magnificent frigatebird, purple sheen | Brian Gratwicke | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Male Frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Male Frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org
File:Brown pelicans and cormorant in La Jolla (70769).jpg ...

File:Brown pelicans and cormorant in La Jolla (70769).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Brown pelicans and cormorant in La Jolla (70769).jpg ...

File:Brown pelicans and cormorant in La Jolla (70769).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Cormorant with fish (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Cormorant with fish (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Dalmatian Pelican and Great Cormorant in danube delta.jpg ...

File:Dalmatian Pelican and Great Cormorant in danube delta.jpg ...

en.m.wikipedia.org
Great cormorant | pelican | Flickr

Great cormorant | pelican | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Moriches Bay Cormorants | Colony of Double-crested Cormorant… | Flickr

Moriches Bay Cormorants | Colony of Double-crested Cormorant… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Pelican and Cormorant on Almaden Lake | Don DeBold | Flickr

Pelican and Cormorant on Almaden Lake | Don DeBold | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Australian Pelican, Australian Pied Cormorant, Little Blac… | Flickr

Australian Pelican, Australian Pied Cormorant, Little Blac… | Flickr

flickr.com
Brown pelican and cormorant | Björn Lammers | Flickr

Brown pelican and cormorant | Björn Lammers | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:A cormorant, an ibis and a pelican standing near the water ...

File:A cormorant, an ibis and a pelican standing near the water ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Pelikan Walvis Bay.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the free ...

File:Pelikan Walvis Bay.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the free ...

simple.m.wikipedia.org
File:White Pelican, head.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:White Pelican, head.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Brown pelican in flight (Bodega Bay).jpg - Wikipedia

File:Brown pelican in flight (Bodega Bay).jpg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org
File:Brown Pelican open mouth.JPG - Wikipedia

File:Brown Pelican open mouth.JPG - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
Pelicans Eye-01+ | Pelican Eye-ing Photographer | John | Flickr

Pelicans Eye-01+ | Pelican Eye-ing Photographer | John | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Dead Pelican | Mike Prince | Flickr

Dead Pelican | Mike Prince | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Pelican Loaf on the Oceanside Pier | This pelican hit every … | Flickr

Pelican Loaf on the Oceanside Pier | This pelican hit every … | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Brown Pelican, Red Mangrove | A happy young brown pelican fl… | Flickr

Brown Pelican, Red Mangrove | A happy young brown pelican fl… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
white pelican chick | Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge, N… | Flickr

white pelican chick | Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge, N… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Pelecanus erythrorhynchos at Las Gallinas Wildlife Ponds.jpg ...

File:Pelecanus erythrorhynchos at Las Gallinas Wildlife Ponds.jpg ...

en.wikipedia.org
File:Microcarbo melanoleucos Austins Ferry 3.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Microcarbo melanoleucos Austins Ferry 3.jpg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org
File:Double-crested cormorant at Sutro Baths-6460.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Double-crested cormorant at Sutro Baths-6460.jpg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org
File:Flightless Cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi) -swimming.jpg ...

File:Flightless Cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi) -swimming.jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
Double-crested Cormorant Flying | Double-crested Cormorant (… | Flickr

Double-crested Cormorant Flying | Double-crested Cormorant (… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Great Cormorant | A Great Cormorant drying its wings. | Leo | Flickr

Great Cormorant | A Great Cormorant drying its wings. | Leo | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Little Pied Cormorant | Little Pied Cormorant drying its win… | Flickr

Little Pied Cormorant | Little Pied Cormorant drying its win… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
A colony of Double crested cormorants, juvenile Great corm… | Flickr

A colony of Double crested cormorants, juvenile Great corm… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Little pied cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleucos) Freycinet.jpg ...

File:Little pied cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleucos) Freycinet.jpg ...

en.wikipedia.org
File:Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) (14).JPG - Wikimedia Commons

File:Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) (14).JPG - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
Great Cormorant with Double-crested Cormorants | Lifer and r… | Flickr

Great Cormorant with Double-crested Cormorants | Lifer and r… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Pato aguja africano (Anhinga rufa), parque nacional de Chobe ...

File:Pato aguja africano (Anhinga rufa), parque nacional de Chobe ...

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Oriental darter at Bali Bird Park 03.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Oriental darter at Bali Bird Park 03.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), Orienta… | Flickr

Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), Orienta… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Darter, or Shag (Male) | Distinctive Australian fishing bird… | Flickr

Darter, or Shag (Male) | Distinctive Australian fishing bird… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Darter | Snakebird or Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster)… | Flickr

Darter | Snakebird or Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster)… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Australian Darter commonly known as snake bird | PsJeremy | Flickr

Australian Darter commonly known as snake bird | PsJeremy | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Beak-harpoon of Darter bird | Australian water bird Anhinga … | Flickr

Beak-harpoon of Darter bird | Australian water bird Anhinga … | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Darter Perched Vedanthangal TN Feb22 D72 22961.jpg ...

File:Darter Perched Vedanthangal TN Feb22 D72 22961.jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:African Darter, Anhinga rufa at Marievale Nature Reserve ...

File:African Darter, Anhinga rufa at Marievale Nature Reserve ...

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) 21-Mar-2007 6-10-09 AM ...

File:Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) 21-Mar-2007 6-10-09 AM ...

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Male Galápagos greater frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Male Galápagos greater frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Magnificent Frigatebird at the Galapagos.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Magnificent Frigatebird at the Galapagos.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Male Galápagos greater frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Male Galápagos greater frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org
File:Magnificent frigatebird tandem above Belize.jpg - Wikimedia ...

File:Magnificent frigatebird tandem above Belize.jpg - Wikimedia ...

commons.wikimedia.org
Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) | Able to soar… | Flickr

Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) | Able to soar… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) | Frigatebirds… | Flickr

Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) | Frigatebirds… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Magnificent frigatebird | The magnificent frigatebird (Frega… | Flickr

Magnificent frigatebird | The magnificent frigatebird (Frega… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Female Great Frigate Bird and Chick | Another female tending… | Flickr

Female Great Frigate Bird and Chick | Another female tending… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Magnificent frigatebird, purple sheen | Brian Gratwicke | Flickr

Magnificent frigatebird, purple sheen | Brian Gratwicke | Flickr

www.flickr.com
File:Male Frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Male Frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org
File:Brown pelicans and cormorant in La Jolla (70769).jpg ...

File:Brown pelicans and cormorant in La Jolla (70769).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Brown pelicans and cormorant in La Jolla (70769).jpg ...

File:Brown pelicans and cormorant in La Jolla (70769).jpg ...

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Cormorant with fish (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Cormorant with fish (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

commons.wikimedia.org
File:Dalmatian Pelican and Great Cormorant in danube delta.jpg ...

File:Dalmatian Pelican and Great Cormorant in danube delta.jpg ...

en.m.wikipedia.org
Great cormorant | pelican | Flickr

Great cormorant | pelican | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Moriches Bay Cormorants | Colony of Double-crested Cormorant… | Flickr

Moriches Bay Cormorants | Colony of Double-crested Cormorant… | Flickr

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Pelican and Cormorant on Almaden Lake | Don DeBold | Flickr

Pelican and Cormorant on Almaden Lake | Don DeBold | Flickr

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Australian Pelican, Australian Pied Cormorant, Little Blac… | Flickr

Australian Pelican, Australian Pied Cormorant, Little Blac… | Flickr

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Brown pelican and cormorant | Björn Lammers | Flickr

Brown pelican and cormorant | Björn Lammers | Flickr

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File:A cormorant, an ibis and a pelican standing near the water ...

File:A cormorant, an ibis and a pelican standing near the water ...

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File:Pelikan Walvis Bay.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the free ...

File:Pelikan Walvis Bay.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the free ...

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File:White Pelican, head.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:White Pelican, head.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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File:Brown pelican in flight (Bodega Bay).jpg - Wikipedia

File:Brown pelican in flight (Bodega Bay).jpg - Wikipedia

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File:Brown Pelican open mouth.JPG - Wikipedia

File:Brown Pelican open mouth.JPG - Wikipedia

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Pelicans Eye-01+ | Pelican Eye-ing Photographer | John | Flickr

Pelicans Eye-01+ | Pelican Eye-ing Photographer | John | Flickr

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Dead Pelican | Mike Prince | Flickr

Dead Pelican | Mike Prince | Flickr

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Pelican Loaf on the Oceanside Pier | This pelican hit every … | Flickr

Pelican Loaf on the Oceanside Pier | This pelican hit every … | Flickr

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Brown Pelican, Red Mangrove | A happy young brown pelican fl… | Flickr

Brown Pelican, Red Mangrove | A happy young brown pelican fl… | Flickr

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white pelican chick | Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge, N… | Flickr

white pelican chick | Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge, N… | Flickr

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File:Pelecanus erythrorhynchos at Las Gallinas Wildlife Ponds.jpg ...

File:Pelecanus erythrorhynchos at Las Gallinas Wildlife Ponds.jpg ...

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File:Microcarbo melanoleucos Austins Ferry 3.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Microcarbo melanoleucos Austins Ferry 3.jpg - Wikipedia

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File:Double-crested cormorant at Sutro Baths-6460.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Double-crested cormorant at Sutro Baths-6460.jpg - Wikipedia

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File:Flightless Cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi) -swimming.jpg ...

File:Flightless Cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi) -swimming.jpg ...

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Double-crested Cormorant Flying | Double-crested Cormorant (… | Flickr

Double-crested Cormorant Flying | Double-crested Cormorant (… | Flickr

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Great Cormorant | A Great Cormorant drying its wings. | Leo | Flickr

Great Cormorant | A Great Cormorant drying its wings. | Leo | Flickr

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Little Pied Cormorant | Little Pied Cormorant drying its win… | Flickr

Little Pied Cormorant | Little Pied Cormorant drying its win… | Flickr

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A colony of Double crested cormorants, juvenile Great corm… | Flickr

A colony of Double crested cormorants, juvenile Great corm… | Flickr

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File:Little pied cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleucos) Freycinet.jpg ...

File:Little pied cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleucos) Freycinet.jpg ...

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File:Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) (14).JPG - Wikimedia Commons

File:Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) (14).JPG - Wikimedia Commons

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Great Cormorant with Double-crested Cormorants | Lifer and r… | Flickr

Great Cormorant with Double-crested Cormorants | Lifer and r… | Flickr

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File:Pato aguja africano (Anhinga rufa), parque nacional de Chobe ...

File:Pato aguja africano (Anhinga rufa), parque nacional de Chobe ...

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File:Oriental darter at Bali Bird Park 03.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Oriental darter at Bali Bird Park 03.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), Orienta… | Flickr

Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), Orienta… | Flickr

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Darter, or Shag (Male) | Distinctive Australian fishing bird… | Flickr

Darter, or Shag (Male) | Distinctive Australian fishing bird… | Flickr

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Darter | Snakebird or Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster)… | Flickr

Darter | Snakebird or Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster)… | Flickr

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Australian Darter commonly known as snake bird | PsJeremy | Flickr

Australian Darter commonly known as snake bird | PsJeremy | Flickr

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Beak-harpoon of Darter bird | Australian water bird Anhinga … | Flickr

Beak-harpoon of Darter bird | Australian water bird Anhinga … | Flickr

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File:Darter Perched Vedanthangal TN Feb22 D72 22961.jpg ...

File:Darter Perched Vedanthangal TN Feb22 D72 22961.jpg ...

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File:African Darter, Anhinga rufa at Marievale Nature Reserve ...

File:African Darter, Anhinga rufa at Marievale Nature Reserve ...

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File:Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) 21-Mar-2007 6-10-09 AM ...

File:Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) 21-Mar-2007 6-10-09 AM ...

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File:Male Galápagos greater frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Male Galápagos greater frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

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File:Magnificent Frigatebird at the Galapagos.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Magnificent Frigatebird at the Galapagos.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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File:Male Galápagos greater frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Male Galápagos greater frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

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File:Magnificent frigatebird tandem above Belize.jpg - Wikimedia ...

File:Magnificent frigatebird tandem above Belize.jpg - Wikimedia ...

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Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) | Able to soar… | Flickr

Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) | Able to soar… | Flickr

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Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) | Frigatebirds… | Flickr

Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) | Frigatebirds… | Flickr

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Magnificent frigatebird | The magnificent frigatebird (Frega… | Flickr

Magnificent frigatebird | The magnificent frigatebird (Frega… | Flickr

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Female Great Frigate Bird and Chick | Another female tending… | Flickr

Female Great Frigate Bird and Chick | Another female tending… | Flickr

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Magnificent frigatebird, purple sheen | Brian Gratwicke | Flickr

Magnificent frigatebird, purple sheen | Brian Gratwicke | Flickr

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File:Male Frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Male Frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

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File:Brown pelicans and cormorant in La Jolla (70769).jpg ...

File:Brown pelicans and cormorant in La Jolla (70769).jpg ...

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File:Brown pelicans and cormorant in La Jolla (70769).jpg ...

File:Brown pelicans and cormorant in La Jolla (70769).jpg ...

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File:Cormorant with fish (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Cormorant with fish (cropped).jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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File:Dalmatian Pelican and Great Cormorant in danube delta.jpg ...

File:Dalmatian Pelican and Great Cormorant in danube delta.jpg ...

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Great cormorant | pelican | Flickr

Great cormorant | pelican | Flickr

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Moriches Bay Cormorants | Colony of Double-crested Cormorant… | Flickr

Moriches Bay Cormorants | Colony of Double-crested Cormorant… | Flickr

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Pelican and Cormorant on Almaden Lake | Don DeBold | Flickr

Pelican and Cormorant on Almaden Lake | Don DeBold | Flickr

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Australian Pelican, Australian Pied Cormorant, Little Blac… | Flickr

Australian Pelican, Australian Pied Cormorant, Little Blac… | Flickr

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Brown pelican and cormorant | Björn Lammers | Flickr

Brown pelican and cormorant | Björn Lammers | Flickr

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File:A cormorant, an ibis and a pelican standing near the water ...

File:A cormorant, an ibis and a pelican standing near the water ...

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File:Pelikan Walvis Bay.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the free ...

File:Pelikan Walvis Bay.jpg - Simple English Wikipedia, the free ...

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File:White Pelican, head.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:White Pelican, head.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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File:Brown pelican in flight (Bodega Bay).jpg - Wikipedia

File:Brown pelican in flight (Bodega Bay).jpg - Wikipedia

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File:Brown Pelican open mouth.JPG - Wikipedia

File:Brown Pelican open mouth.JPG - Wikipedia

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Pelicans Eye-01+ | Pelican Eye-ing Photographer | John | Flickr

Pelicans Eye-01+ | Pelican Eye-ing Photographer | John | Flickr

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Dead Pelican | Mike Prince | Flickr

Dead Pelican | Mike Prince | Flickr

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Pelican Loaf on the Oceanside Pier | This pelican hit every … | Flickr

Pelican Loaf on the Oceanside Pier | This pelican hit every … | Flickr

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Brown Pelican, Red Mangrove | A happy young brown pelican fl… | Flickr

Brown Pelican, Red Mangrove | A happy young brown pelican fl… | Flickr

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white pelican chick | Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge, N… | Flickr

white pelican chick | Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge, N… | Flickr

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File:Pelecanus erythrorhynchos at Las Gallinas Wildlife Ponds.jpg ...

File:Pelecanus erythrorhynchos at Las Gallinas Wildlife Ponds.jpg ...

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File:Microcarbo melanoleucos Austins Ferry 3.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Microcarbo melanoleucos Austins Ferry 3.jpg - Wikipedia

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File:Double-crested cormorant at Sutro Baths-6460.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Double-crested cormorant at Sutro Baths-6460.jpg - Wikipedia

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File:Flightless Cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi) -swimming.jpg ...

File:Flightless Cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi) -swimming.jpg ...

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Double-crested Cormorant Flying | Double-crested Cormorant (… | Flickr

Double-crested Cormorant Flying | Double-crested Cormorant (… | Flickr

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Great Cormorant | A Great Cormorant drying its wings. | Leo | Flickr

Great Cormorant | A Great Cormorant drying its wings. | Leo | Flickr

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Little Pied Cormorant | Little Pied Cormorant drying its win… | Flickr

Little Pied Cormorant | Little Pied Cormorant drying its win… | Flickr

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A colony of Double crested cormorants, juvenile Great corm… | Flickr

A colony of Double crested cormorants, juvenile Great corm… | Flickr

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File:Little pied cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleucos) Freycinet.jpg ...

File:Little pied cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleucos) Freycinet.jpg ...

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File:Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) (14).JPG - Wikimedia Commons

File:Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) (14).JPG - Wikimedia Commons

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Great Cormorant with Double-crested Cormorants | Lifer and r… | Flickr

Great Cormorant with Double-crested Cormorants | Lifer and r… | Flickr

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File:Pato aguja africano (Anhinga rufa), parque nacional de Chobe ...

File:Pato aguja africano (Anhinga rufa), parque nacional de Chobe ...

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File:Oriental darter at Bali Bird Park 03.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Oriental darter at Bali Bird Park 03.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), Orienta… | Flickr

Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), Orienta… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Darter, or Shag (Male) | Distinctive Australian fishing bird… | Flickr

Darter, or Shag (Male) | Distinctive Australian fishing bird… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Darter | Snakebird or Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster)… | Flickr

Darter | Snakebird or Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster)… | Flickr

www.flickr.com
Australian Darter commonly known as snake bird | PsJeremy | Flickr

Australian Darter commonly known as snake bird | PsJeremy | Flickr

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Beak-harpoon of Darter bird | Australian water bird Anhinga … | Flickr

Beak-harpoon of Darter bird | Australian water bird Anhinga … | Flickr

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File:Darter Perched Vedanthangal TN Feb22 D72 22961.jpg ...

File:Darter Perched Vedanthangal TN Feb22 D72 22961.jpg ...

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File:African Darter, Anhinga rufa at Marievale Nature Reserve ...

File:African Darter, Anhinga rufa at Marievale Nature Reserve ...

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File:Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) 21-Mar-2007 6-10-09 AM ...

File:Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) 21-Mar-2007 6-10-09 AM ...

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File:Male Galápagos greater frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Male Galápagos greater frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

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File:Magnificent Frigatebird at the Galapagos.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Magnificent Frigatebird at the Galapagos.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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File:Male Galápagos greater frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Male Galápagos greater frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

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File:Magnificent frigatebird tandem above Belize.jpg - Wikimedia ...

File:Magnificent frigatebird tandem above Belize.jpg - Wikimedia ...

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Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) | Able to soar… | Flickr

Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) | Able to soar… | Flickr

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Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) | Frigatebirds… | Flickr

Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) | Frigatebirds… | Flickr

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Magnificent frigatebird | The magnificent frigatebird (Frega… | Flickr

Magnificent frigatebird | The magnificent frigatebird (Frega… | Flickr

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Female Great Frigate Bird and Chick | Another female tending… | Flickr

Female Great Frigate Bird and Chick | Another female tending… | Flickr

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Magnificent frigatebird, purple sheen | Brian Gratwicke | Flickr

Magnificent frigatebird, purple sheen | Brian Gratwicke | Flickr

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File:Male Frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

File:Male Frigate bird.jpg - Wikipedia

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  • Pelicans: Famous for their enormous, stretchy throat pouches, pelicans use these “pouches” to scoop up fish and water. After catching prey, they drain the water before swallowing the fish.
  • Cormorants: Cormorants are expert divers; they use their tightly webbed feet for propulsion underwater. Their feathers are less waterproof than those of other water birds, which helps reduce buoyancy for diving.
  • Darters ("Anhingas"): Also known as “snakebirds” for their long, slender necks, darters spear fish with their sharp bills and then swim prey to the surface to swallow.
  • Frigatebirds: Noted for their remarkable flying skills and large red throat pouch in males, frigatebirds snatch prey from the ocean surface or even steal from other birds (kleptoparasitism). They have minimal webbing compared to other Pelecaniformes.
Pelicans, cormorants, and darters are classic pelecaniform birds.
Pelicans use their large, expandable throat pouch to scoop up fish.
Cormorants have webbed feet for propulsion and less waterproof feathers that aid diving.

Conclusion

Pelecaniformes are a distinctive and diverse group of water birds, known for their unique adaptations to aquatic life.
  • Include well-known families like pelicans and cormorants, which have specialized feeding mechanisms.
  • Share key features such as totipalmate feet and often fish-based diets.
  • Their ecological roles and behaviors make them a vital part of aquatic ecosystems worldwide.