Pelecaninae

Pelecaninae is a subfamily of pelicans in the Pelecanidae family. Commonly known as reel pelicans, these pelicans are characterised by long beaks that can retract into the head and neck, similar to felines with their claws. Birds in this family are typically seen in tropical climates, planets including Osao, Sacaethea, Talerin, Dracosei, and Xiskin, among many others.

Genuses & Species

Pelecanis

Pelecanis caeruleus

(See More)

Pelecanis xanthacristatus
Pelecanis hyractis
Pelecanis maias
Pelecanis luminara
Pelecanis meredis
Pelecanis stultus

Pelecaris

Pelecaris ruputa
Pelecaris pefecta
Pelecaris chromus
Pelecaris ekkanii
Pelecaris mortus

Distribution & Habitat

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— Azure Pelican

Reel pelicans typically inhabit tropical coastal regions. Their range is often large, migrating over thousands of miles seasonally.

Very few reel pelican species are found exclusively in freshwater regions, but it is not unheard of.

Anatomy

Greater Reel Pelican by Mochi

The general appearance and physique of a reel pelican is identical to others in Pelecanidae. The only major difference, of course, is their reel-like bill that can retract inside the neck.

Reel pelicans are on the larger side of Pelecanidae. The smallest species in this subfamily, pygmy reel pelicans, have a wingspan of just two feet - the largest species, titanic reel pelicans, have a wingspan of around a hundred feet.

The bills, pouches, and bare facial skin of all reel pelicans become brightly coloured before the breeding season.

Genetic Descendants

Azure Pelican

Scientific Classification
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Aves
Order - Pelecaniformes
Family - Pelecanidae
Subfamily - Pelecaninae
Type Species
Greater Reel Pelican (Pelecanis maias)