Pele can us (pelekanus)

[NL., pelf only genus of Pelecanidæ, having the bill slender and several times as long as the head, with a hook or nail at the end, and the mandibular rami divaricated, supporting an enormous pouch. The wings are extremely long, with very numerous remiges. The tail is short, and consists of 20 or more feathers; the feet are short and stout, and all four toes are webbed. (See cut under totipalmate.) The size is great, and the form is robust. The weight of the body in proportion to its bulk is reduced by its great pneumaticity. There are at least 6 perfectly distinct species, and some authors admit 9. Two inhabit the United States - the white and brown pelicans, P. trachyrhynchus and P. fusc us. (See cut under pelican.) The European species, inhabiting also Asia and Africa, are P. ono crotal us and P. crisp us. The Australian is P. cons pic ill at us; and P. ru fescens or philip pin us is found in various parts of the Old World.