Pelecaniformes

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | 603 words | Copyright

Pelecaniformes (tropicbirds, pelicans, gannets, cormorants, frigatebirds, anhingas; class Aves) A diverse order of mainly marine birds, most of which have large bills and bare skin on the throat, which is distensible in some. They have short legs, the feet being totipalmate (but only basally so in Fregata species). They are good fliers and swimmers, diving for food from the air or water surface, and feeding on fish and crustaceans. Most nest on cliffs or in trees. There are six families: Anhingidae, Fregatidae, Pelecanidae, Phaethontidae, Phalacrocoracidae, and Sulidae. They are found world-wide.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "Pelecaniformes." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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