Louisiana's state flag shows a pelican and three nesting chicks against a blue field. The state motto appears on a scroll beneath the birds.  Louisiana, the Pelican State, began using the web-footed bird as its symbol in the early 18th century. In those days people believed the pelican was a noble, self-giving bird that would tear open its own breast to feed its young if other food were not available. {In fact, pelican parents feed their babies partly digested fish.}   Besides giving the state its nickname and inspiring its flag, the pelican became Louisiana's state bird.