Pelecaniformes facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pelecaniformes Temporal range: Late Cretaceous–Recent, 65.5–0Ma PreЄ Є O S D C P T J K Pg N
Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Infraclass:	Neognathae
Order:	Pelecaniformes (disputed) Sharpe, 1891
Families
Anhingidae Fregatidae Pelecanidae Phalacrocoracidae Sulidae
Global Distribution of the Pelecaniformes.

The Pelecaniformes is a order of medium-sized and large waterbirds. They are found worldwide. As traditionally—but wrongly—defined, they include all birds that have feet with four toes which are all webbed. Most have a bare throat patch (gular patch). Their nostrils have evolved into slits which do not work properly. This causes them to breathe through their mouths. They feed on fish, squid or similar marine life. The young are altricial. They hatch from the egg helpless and naked in most cases. They lack a brood patch.