Pelican

A pelican is a large water bird with a long beak and a stretchy pouch under it, which it uses to scoop up fish. Pelicans often live near coasts, lakes, and rivers.

“Pelican” comes from Old French *pelican*, from Latin *pelecanus*, from Greek *pelekan*. The word may be linked to a root meaning “axe,” perhaps comparing the bird’s long beak to an axe blade.