The author has learned that pelicans seldom if ever would eat anything the least bit dead, so the refusal of the sardine may have been just typical pelican behavior. Pelicans belong to the genus Pelecanus of the family Pelecanidae . Their wingspan can reach 10 feet. There are six species and several subspecies of pelican. The most common in the U.S. is the white pelican, which have black wingtips.
Brown pelicans have dark wings and undersides, but white heads and necks.
Pelicans do not necessarily swallow their catch right away. They may store it in their huge pouch, for eating later or feeding to their young. Pelicans build nests of twigs and branches near the water's edge. Pelicans are migratory birds. First placed online July 7th, 1996.