• Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

• Chordates (Phylum Chordata)

• Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata)

• Birds (Class Aves)

• Pelicans, Herons, Ibises, and Allies (Order Pelecaniformes)

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​Order Pelecaniformes is a group of primarily aquatic birds that includes pelicans, herons, egrets, bitterns, ibises, and spoonbills. Members of this order are found on every continent except Antarctica and are closely associated with wetlands, rivers, lakes, estuaries, mangroves, and coastal environments. Although they vary considerably in appearance, most Pelecaniformes possess adaptations for feeding in or around water, including long legs for wading, elongated necks, specialized bills, and excellent vision for locating prey. Their diets typically consist of fish, amphibians, crustaceans, insects, and other small aquatic animals.