Order Pelecaniformes (PELICANS)
Pelecaniformes is an Order of medium sized to large aquatic birds. It recently included Cormorants, Frigate Birds, Gannets and Anhingas, but recent studies have decided that those belong in other Orders. Conversely, Herons, Ibis and Spoonbill, which were in the Order Ciconiiformes, now have their families placed here, as DNA studies indicate closer relationships.
FamilyArdeidae (HERONS, EGRETS, BITTERNS)
Ardeidae is a family of long-legged and long-necked aquatic birds that fly with the neck folded back. It includes Herons, Egrets and Bitterns, with 64 extant species. Egret is just a common name given to herons that are white, or have fancy breeding plumes.
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Family Threskiornithidae (IBIS & SPOONBILL)
This family includes 34 species of ibises and spoonbills worldwide. They are aquatic wading birds that nest colonially.
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Family Scopidae (HAMERKOP)
Hamerkop is the only living species in the genus Scopus and the family Scopidae. Its closest relatives are the pelicans and shoebill. Its common name comes from the Africaan’s word for hammer, given as its head is so shaped somewhat.
Family Pelecanidae (PELICANS)
Pelicans are large aquatic birds with a long beak and throat pouch, with which they catch prey and strain out the water. They are now thought to be most closely related to the shoebill and hammerkop. There are 8 living species. Of the 2 here, the White Pelican is the about heaviest flying bird. In North America, its wingspan is exceeded only by the California Condor. The Brown Pelican was severely endangered by DDT which caused thin eggshells which would break. It was saved from extinction by the Endangered Species Act and has made a remarkable comeback.
Click on the thumbnail to see more of each species.
