Pelicans: Merely Troublemakers?

Pelicans and Publicans, somehow united?

Pelicans, Pelicans

Pelicans are nasty, devilish creatures

that can swallow living rock pigeons whole,

and probably have more cruel features

than a superannuated demon troll,

which proves, I guess, the ugly pelican

(ugly as sin, that base, capacious pouch)

is no less than an abject evil demon

awaiting for that moment best to pounce.

They don't overdo it with currency of money or currents of liquor, do they, those publicans imposing heavy taxes on their drinks?