Pelicans are primarily water birds and are well-adapted for life on and around the coastlines. They spend most of their time in or near water, as their diet consists mainly of fish which they catch by diving into the water from the air. However, pelicans do occasionally go on land, although it is not as common or natural for them as being in the water.
On land, pelicans are not as graceful or agile as they are in the water. They have large webbed feet designed for swimming and are not well-suited for walking or running on land. Their long wingspan and heavy bodies make it difficult for them to maneuver on land, and they often appear clumsy and awkward. Nevertheless, they are capable of walking short distances on land, particularly when it comes to moving between their nesting sites and the water.
During breeding season, pelicans form large colonies on islands or coastal areas, where they build their nests and raise their young. These nesting sites are usually located near water bodies, such as lakes or estuaries, where the pelicans can easily access food. However, the actual nesting areas are often on land, as pelicans prefer to build their nests on the ground or in low trees or shrubs.
When it comes to feeding, pelicans typically hunt for fish in the water. They have a unique feeding technique where they plunge-dive from the air, using their keen eyesight to spot fish below the surface. After catching a fish, they scoop it up in their large, expandable throat pouch, which can hold several liters of water and fish. This pouch allows them to store the fish until they can swallow it whole. However, pelicans may also feed on land if the opportunity arises. For example, they may scavenge for food near fishing docks or piers, where fishermen discard fish or where scraps are readily available.
In addition to their feeding habits, pelicans also spend time on land for other activities such as preening their feathers, resting, or socializing with other pelicans. They may gather in groups on sandbars or beaches, where they can bask in the sun and dry their feathers. These gatherings can be quite impressive, as pelicans are highly social birds and often congregate in large numbers.
While pelicans are not primarily terrestrial birds, they do have the ability to go on land when necessary. However, their preference and natural habitat will always be in and around water, where they can thrive and fulfill their ecological role as skilled fish hunters.