(Part of the) common name of all species of the family Pelecanidae (suborder Pelecani of the Pelecaniformes) and in the plural the general term for the family. The pelican family consists of only 6-8 species (depending on opinion) which are among the largest birds (1,25 to 1,8 meter long) and adapted to an aquatic life. They are widely distributed in tropical and some temperate parts of the world. Their characteristic feature is the very big, long and straight bill which is flattened from above and of which the lower mandible forms a large expandable pouch, well adapted to engulf fish. Pelicans usually occur in flocks (gregarious bird) and feed mainly on fish, but crustaceans are also taken.

Alternative forms for pelicans : Pelecanus, pelican.