All About Pelecaniformes and Suliformes

Webbed feet between their toes, a long beak, and a streamlined body – pelecaniformes and suliformes are perfectly designed for life in the water!

All About Pelecaniformes and Suliformes - Photos: (TL-BR) Volodymyr Burdiak/Shutterstock, Don Mammoser/Shutterstock, Sergey Ryzhkov/stock.adobe.com, Gowri Subramanya/Wirestock/stock.adobe.com

What Are Pelecaniformes and Suliformes?

Pelecaniformes and suliformes are a group of large waterbirds. It includes pelicans, cormorants, ibises, spoonbills, egrets and herons. They inhabit areas near lakes, rivers, and the sea, and they excel at catching fish. Many species are characterized by webbed feet, which allow them to paddle powerfully through the water. These often have long beaks, long necks and streamlined bodies, making them ideally suited for life in and around water.

Main Characteristics of Pelecaniformes and Suliformes

1. Webbed Feet

Pelecaniformes and suliformes have webbing between their toes that makes swimming easier. When they spread their toes, they create large paddles that propel them swiftly through the water.

2. Long Beaks

Most pelecaniformes and suliformes possess long beaks. Some have narrow and pointed beaks, like cormorants. Pelicans have particularly large, strong, and elongated beaks. The shoe-billed stork has a notably striking beak – its thick, broad beak resembles a shoe.

3. Streamlined Body

Most pelecaniformes and suliformes feature a streamlined body that helps them reduce air and water resistance.. When they spot a fish from the air, they tuck in their wings and dive into the water in a steep plunge. They resemble an arrow during this descent.

Pelican Family Tree

Amazing Facts About Pelecaniformes and Suliformes

• There are over 100 species of pelecaniformes and suliformes birds.
• Pelecaniformes are currently divided into five families: herons, ibises, and spoonbills, hamerkop, pelicans, and shoebills.
• The suliformes comprise four families: frigatebirds, gannets and boobies, darters, and cormorants.
• Pelecaniformes and suliformes are carnivores, mainly eating fish, invertebrates, or insects.
• The largest species is the Dalmatian pelican, which can grow up to 72 inches (183 cm) long and have a wingspan of up to 138 inches (351 cm).
• The goliath heron and the frigatebird are also exceptionally large species.
• The smallest species is the little bittern, measuring about 13-15 inches (33-38 cm) long, which is similar in size to a jay.

Species List