About This Lesson
Use this lesson during units on birds, adaptations, structures and functions, coastal and aquatic habitats, migration, food
webs, animal behavior, classification, or Texas wildlife. Students investigate two pelican species found in Texas: the Brown
Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) and the American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos). They compare observable
structures, appearance, feeding behavior, habitat use, and seasonal movement. Students also examine how Brown
Pelicans typically plunge-dive for fish while American White Pelicans generally feed from the water's surface and may
forage cooperatively. Brown Pelicans are strongly associated with the Texas coast and nest on coastal islands, while
American White Pelicans commonly occur in Texas during migration and winter and may use both coastal and inland
aquatic habitats. Student-created pelican models should function as scientific models that communicate important
structures and functions rather than serving only as crafts.
