From Greek pelekan, probably connected to pelekys 'axe' — the bird was named for its large, axe-blade-shaped bill.
A large waterbird with a long bill and a large throat pouch used for scooping up fish.
From Latin pelecanus, from Greek pelekan, generally connected to pelekys 'axe, hatchet,' presumably from the resemblance of the bird's large bill to the blade of an axe. The connection to 'axe' may also relate to the woodpecker, which some ancient Greek sources also called pelekan. Key roots: *peleku- (Proto-Indo-European (or borrowed): "axe (cf. Sanskrit
Medieval Christians believed the pelican fed its young with blood from its own breast, making it a symbol of Christ's sacrifice. This legend — called the 'pelican in her piety' — appears in European heraldry, stained glass, and religious art, though real pelicans feed their chicks regurgitated fish, not blood.