The esophagus starts farther back in the mouth and goes down the long throat to the stomach. The birds' soft, full chest and body contain membranes beneath the skin, which the bird can fill with air when diving for fish, helping to protect the delicate organs from shock and damage. They also provide buoyancy and help the bird float. On the back, behind the wings at the base of the tail is the oil gland, or duct. Found on all birds, this gland produces special oils, which the bird applies to each feather, using the hooked preening tooth on the tip of its beak.
Pelicans also have very unique feet.
Unlike other web-footed birds, pelicans have four toes, instead of three. The third toe has a long claw, which is used to preen areas behind the head and neck. The toes are multi-jointed and flexible enough to allow the bird to firmly grip tree limbs and other perches. Unlike many other birds, the pelican is not easily visually sexed by its coloration or size, although, when standing together, the female is usually a bit smaller than the male, with a proportionately shorter bill. The pelican has a very complex, ritualistic courtship that may take many days, and is a delicate dance.