Watch This Huge Pelican Gobble Up And Swallow A Pigeon Whole

Continue reading for our analysis...

One of the most easily recognized birds on the earth is the pelican. Pelicans are opportunistic, diversified birds that live on all continents with the exception of Antarctica. They are well-recognized for the pouches on their beak and their mischievous demeanor. 

Watch This Pelican Swallow a Whole Pigeon!

These birds are opportunists, hence their diets are highly varied. They have a highly specialized, expert fishing strategy because they have lived on Earth for more than 30 million years. According to their species and their location throughout their migration, pelicans consume a variety of fish. 

They typically feed when at sea on little fish like anchovies and sardines. Small reptiles, amphibians, and crabs are also consumed by pelicans because they are opportunistic predators. They have even been observed attempting to eat cats, birds, crabs, and pigeons.

Every pelican eats fish, and they go fishing alone or in packs. Gulls and terns attempt to take the fish from their beaks when they snatch up the prey in their beaks and remove the fluid from their pouches before consuming it. 

They may also rapidly dive into the water to snag their prey. Some pelicans travel great distances while others spend most of their time stationary. 

A Big Snack! 

A group of tourists witnessed a shocking moment when a pelican right in front of them snatched a pigeon. In a mesmerizing fashion, the pelican swallows the pigeon whole, leaving everyone wondering how it did it! 

It’s a common misconception that pelicans keep their day’s catch in their bill. After using their pouch to capture prey, they discard the extra water and consume the fish whole. 

A pelican’s noticeable beak tilt and swallowing motion will be obvious when you encounter one. By doing so, the pelican’s neck is straightened, allowing the fish to enter their stomach. 

Yet, young pelicans either grab for the fish that their parents have regurgitated or they “fish” when their bills are filled with water. Pelicans have developed a desalination filter due to their regular contact with saltwater. 

Sea birds have tube nostrils and salt glands that allow them to consume seawater without getting dehydrated. They primarily drink seawater as a result of this procedure and their diet of fish.

It’s absolutely baffling to see just how they eat an entire bird at once. A video we’ve included below shows the entire interaction. One comment points out the bleak life of the pigeon by saying: 

“Imagine living your life at the bottom of the food chain, dodging every predator you’ve come across in your life, only to be swallowed alive by a pelican.”