đ§đźââď¸đ Sea Science Saturday đđ§đźââď¸
The Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
đBrown Pelicans make their spectacular dives into the water from as high as 65 feet.
đ If humans dove into the water at such a height over and over, weâd probably hurt ourselves. But pelicans have adapted to protect themselves. They have special air sacs beneath their skin that they inflate just before impact to protect internal organs. And as they dive, they rotate to the left, to avoid injuring their trachea and esophagus, which run along the right side of their neck.
đĄ Pelicanâs pouch near its bill will indeed hold more than its belly. The pouch will hold up to three gallons of water, with the stomach will hold about one gallon.
đ The Brown Pelican nearly disappeared from North America in the 1960s and 1970s due to DDT, but has made an impressive comeback in recent years.
â¤ď¸ Male attracts a female by selecting a nest site and enticing her to build a nest together.
If you'd like to see these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat and learn more about them and the many other amazing birds and marine life that SWFL area has to offer, please call us to book an Eco Tour! We'd be happy to share more of our knowledge and beautiful wildlife with you!
Glass Bottom Rentals
5810 Gasparilla Rd, Placida, FL 33936
(Located on Gasparilla Island/Boca Grande)
941-237-1756