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Brown pelicans against a Florida sunrise
Featherweight? Hardly.
As they flitter in a Florida sunrise, these seabirds seem lighter than air. But get them standing on a scale and it'll likely tip past 5 kilograms, placing them well into the heavyweight category among avians. And they aren't afraid to throw that girth around – plunging their big bird bodies into the surf, pelicans can stun fish that they swiftly scoop into their ample gullets. Once full, the birds can rest by floating on the waves, buoyed by air pockets in their bones that help keep all that weight above water.
Featherweight? Hardly.
As they flitter in a Florida sunrise, these seabirds seem lighter than air. But get them standing on a scale and it'll likely tip past 5 kilograms, placing them well into the heavyweight category among avians. And they aren't afraid to throw that girth around – plunging their big bird bodies into the surf, pelicans can stun fish that they swiftly scoop into their ample gullets. Once full, the birds can rest by floating on the waves, buoyed by air pockets in their bones that help keep all that weight above water.
Against a bright Florida sunrise, these brown pelicans are closely watching the waves for their breakfast.
© Zen Rial / Moment / Getty Images 2026-09-11 08:45:51 :