Pelicans: Remarkable Birds With Giant Beaks (Classic)

A classic episode! Chris and Angie discuss everything Pelicans.

With their enormous bills, expandable throat pouches and almost prehistoric appearance, pelicans are among the most instantly recognizable birds on Earth. But there is much more to them than their famous fishing equipment.

In this classic episode, we explore the world’s eight pelican species, from plunge-diving brown pelicans to enormous Dalmatian pelicans—among the heaviest flying birds alive. We uncover how their remarkable pouches really work, why some pelicans hunt cooperatively and how these seemingly awkward birds transform into graceful aerial giants once they take flight.

Most pelican species are currently classified as Least Concern, but the Dalmatian and spot-billed pelicans are listed as Near Threatened. Across their ranges, pelicans remain vulnerable to wetland loss, disturbance at breeding colonies, pollution, entanglement in fishing gear and declining fish populations.

Rediscover why pelicans are far more intelligent, adaptable and impressive than their comical appearance might suggest—and why protecting wetlands, coastlines and healthy fisheries is essential to their future.

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