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There are eight species of pelicans worldwide. The largest is the Dalmatian pelican, while the smallest and most common is the brown pelican. The greater white pelican, one of two European species, has been repeatedly observed in the Czech Republic. Pelicans are among the heaviest birds, with very long, narrow wings that enable them to glide in the air for extended periods. Their black primary feathers, or remiges, contain the pigment melanin, which provides mechanical strength to the feathers. Pelicans primarily feed on fish and are known to collaborate when hunting. They often gather around a school of fish at the water's surface and capture fish in their large throat pouches. When swallowing, pelicans must maneuver the fish to go down headfirst; otherwise, the fish’s sharp spines could lodge in the bird's throat, potentially causing it to choke. Some pelican species nest on the ground, usually on islands within wetlands, while others build nests in trees. Their chicks hatch without feathers and are fully dependent on their parents for survival.
