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Pelecaniformes

Pelecaniformes
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Pelecaniformes
Families
Pelecanidae
Sulidae
Phalacrocoracidae
Fregatidae
Anhingidae
Phaethontidae

The Pelecaniformes are an order of medium-sized and large waterbirds found worldwide. They are distinguished from other birds by the possesion of feet with all four toes webbed (totipalmate). Most have a bare throat patch (gular patch).

They feed on fish, squid or similar marine life. Nesting is colonial, although birds are monogamous, and the young are born helpless—in contrast, for example, to many waders.


Australian Pelicans

There are about 57 species in the 6 families. Recent microbiological research strongly suggests that the similarities between the Pelecaniformes are the result of convergent evolution rather than common descent, and that the group is polyphyletic. Sibley and Ahlquist's landmark DNA-DNA hybridisation studies led to them placing the families traditionally contained within the Pelecaniformes together with the grebes, cormorants, ibises and spoonbills, New World vultures, storks, penguins, albatrosses, petrels, and loons together as a sub-group within a greatly expanded order Ciconiiformes, a radical move which, although it has not been entirely accepted has been very influential.