The pelican is a large water bird characterized by a long bill and large throat pouch used for catching prey. They basically skim the water’s surface, scoop a pouch full of water, drain the water out and swallow whatever critters happens to be left. There are eight species of pelican, which range from most tropics to temperate zones. Four species have white feathers and the other four are grey or brown. They have long been depicted in ancient myths around the world. For example, in ancient Egypt, the pelican (Henet) was associated with death and the afterlife.