Predator Vs. Prey: White Pelican vs. Gizzard Shad

The struggle to survive isn't always a fair fight.

Dive Goggles

Special lower eyelids slide up to protect pelicans’ peepers underwater.

Bucket Bill

A flexible, bucket-like lower bill can scoop up fish lickety-split!

Paddle Feet

Big webbed feet make for powerful propulsion.

Skipping the Scene

Quick and streamlined, shad can scatter fast and even leap clear of the water to escape chase.

Safety in Numbers

Gizzard shad travel in large, constantly moving schools, a habit that helps individuals survive. It’s hard to pick a single shad out of a crowd.

And the winner is…

The white pelican gets its game, but not all of it. Some shad live to breed, eat plankton, and feed a host of other hungry hunters above and below the waterline.