 The brown pelican usually plunge @-@ dives for its prey , especially for anchovies and menhaden . Although principally a fish eater , the Australian pelican is also an eclectic and opportunistic scavenger and carnivore that forages in landfill sites as well as taking carrion and " anything from insects and small crustaceans to ducks and small dogs " . Food is not stored in a pelican 's throat pouch , contrary to popular folklore . 
