A pelican, especially as depicted in heraldry or medieval literature; the bird symbolizing charity or self-sacrifice.
From Spanish and Portuguese 'alcatraz,' derived from Arabic 'al-qadus' (the water bucket), referring to the pelican's large bill pouch. The word entered European languages through Spanish contact with Arabic and through maritime exploration.
The famous Alcatraz Island prison is named after pelicans—the Spanish called it 'Isla de los Alcatraces' (Island of the Pelicans), and now it's forever linked with one of history's most infamous prisons! The name traveled from Arabic to Spanish to English, picking up dramatic meaning along the way.
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