4805. PHOTOGRAPHY 75 - 300mm. Gular Pouch of a pelican

 

A pelican's gular pouch is a highly flexible, distensible sac of skin attached to the lower mandible, used primarily as a fishing net to scoop up fish and water. It can hold up to 3 gallons (11 liters) of water—significantly more than the bird's stomach capacity—and serves to drain water before swallowing prey. 

 

 

25 Jan 2026. 4.35pm
Canon R5 300mm, 1/1250 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1600 

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ey details about the gular pouch:

• Feeding Mechanism: It acts as a scoop rather than a storage container; pelicans use it to trap fish, drain water, and then consume the fish immediately.
• Temperature Regulation: Pelicans use "gular fluttering," shaking the pouch to evaporate moisture and cool down in heat.
• Structure: Composed of specialized, highly elastic, fibrous skin that stretches to accommodate large, struggling prey.
• Hygiene & Maintenance: Pelicans may turn the pouch inside out to clean debris or keep the skin pliable.
• Breeding Displays: In some species, the skin color may change during the breeding season to attract mates. 

The pouch is a crucial, specialized adaptation for efficient foraging and survival.