The American snake pelican, a member of the snake pelican family, has full webbing and four toes facing forward, allowing it to swim in the water with ease. Their webbed feet are connected to each other, forming a perfect propulsion force that allows them to move quickly and nimly through the water. The laryngeal sac under the mouth is a unique hallmark, and the degree of development of the laryngeal sac varies with age and gender.
The American snake pelican is a tropical inland waterfowl that lives in tropical and temperate regions with lush forests such as freshwater rivers, swamps, and lakes. They have a slender neck like a snake, which also gives them great flexibility when looking for prey. They are good divers and often hunt for food underwater, which is one of their unique survival skills.
Although American snake pelicans look like cormorants, they are also known as snake birds or rushing pelicans. They can reach a length of up to 90 centimeters, have a neck and head that are somewhat similar to snakes, have a long and sharp beak, and a long tail. These characteristics give the American snake pelican a high advantage when hunting in the water.
As carnivores, fish are the main food of the American snake pelican**. They spear the fish with their long mouths, then flung them into the air and devoured them. This unique way of predating further improves their ability to survive in the water.
The distribution range of the American snake pelican is mainly in the Americas. Their breeding season is usually in the spring, and females lay 5-7 light blue eggs per nest, with an average of 4. The nest is built on a tree, made of twigs and leaves, and is very sturdy and comfortable. The incubation period is about a month, during which the male and female snake pelicans share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and caring for the young.
Outside of the breeding period, the American snake pelican will continue to hunt fish for subsistence. Since their feathers are not waterproof, they choose to spread their wings in the sun to dry their feathers after fishing in order to keep their bodies dry and warm. This unique survival habit is also unique to the American snake pelican hunting in the water.
**10,000 Fans Incentive Program Overall, the American snake pelican is a unique and amazing waterfowl. Their physical characteristics and survival skills make them a sight to behold in the middle of nature. Although their range is mainly in the Americas, if we look and understand them carefully, we can find their beauty and charm.