Wide wings sail ... Deep pouch scoops ... Meet the pelican! Brimming with vivid photos and scientific facts, this middle-grade nonfiction book treats researchers and wild animal lovers to a comprehensive profile of these beautiful waterbirds. It covers zoology topics such as anatomy, diet, habitat, and life cycle, as well as species conservation efforts and the birds' relationship with humans throughout history. Sidebars, a range map, and a glossary support the main text, while an American folktale from Louisiana about the pelican adds a cross-curricular cultural layer to the title.