The family Pelecanidae includes 2 species found in North America.

Pelicans occur in tropical and temperate areas on all continents. Most species inhabit inland lakes and seacoasts. Brown Pelican occur only on seacoasts. The long, hooked bill, enormous gular pouch and webbed feet are the most obvious characters. Length 140-180 cm, with long necks and heavy bodies. 

Food is mainly fish and some crustaceans. Most species feed on the surface by scooping up fish in the bill while ducking the head below the surface or upending. The pouch expands in the water creating a broad scoop filled with water and prey. The head is then raised, the water drains from the pouch and the fish are swallowed whole. The larger species form U-shaped lines, herding fish before them as they swim to shallower water, scooping as they proceed. The Brown Pelican plunge-dives from a height, folding its wings at the last instant before hitting the water.

Pelicans nest in colonies in trees or on the ground where there are no terrestrial predators, as on small islands. Tree nests are large structures of sticks, ground nests are heaps of vegetation and debris. Nests are built by the female of material brought by the male in his pouch. Eggs oval, white with rough surface. Clutch 1-3, rarely 5-6. Incubation is 30-37 days by both parents beginning with the first egg. Hatchlings are pink and naked and turn black or gray within 4-14 days, thereafter develop a coat of gray, white or blackish down. Young are fed from the pouch by partial regurgitation in which the young puts its head into the parent's pouch, or by complete regurgitation from food deposited in the nest. The young birds leave the nest at 20-30 days and form a crèche. They fledge at 65-80 days. Age at first breeding is 3-4 years.