Category: Birds
Pelicans are large water birds, instantly recognizable by their large beaks and throat pouches that they use to scoop up prey (mostly fish). Most species of pelican are pale in plumage, except for their bills, pouches, and facial skin, which becomes brightly colored during breeding season. They are highly social birds, who travel and hunt in groups and breed colonially.
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When we talk about fast animals, the one that immediately comes to mind for most people is the cheetah, who can reach 70 mph when sprinting. But that’s not even close to the peregrine falcon’s diving speed of up to 242 mph! Flying to great heights, the peregrine falcon reaches top speed performing a maneuver called the stoop: an incredibly fast, steep angled descent designed to surprise prey and hit with incredible impact. Moving so fast isn’t easy on the lungs, but the peregrine falcon has evolved bony tubercles in its nostrils that help divert airflow way from the nostrils and better manage changes in air pressure.
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Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
