Pelecanus onocrotalus
The Great White Pelican, Pelecanus onocrotalus, is an imposing and magnificent aquatic bird, instantly recognizable by its immense size and striking pure white plumage. Measuring 140-180 cm (55-71 in) in length with an astonishing wingspan of 270-360 cm (8.9-11.8 ft) and weighing 9-15 kg (20-33 lb), it is one of the largest flying birds on Earth. Distinctive field marks include its large, flattened yellow-orange bill, a prominent gular pouch that turns more vibrant during breeding, and black ...
Found primarily in large, shallow freshwater or brackish wetlands, including lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastal lagoons. Typically found at low elevations, avoiding densely forested or mountainous regions.
Feeds almost exclusively on fish, consuming a wide variety of species weighing up to 500g each, though smaller fish are often preferred. Primary foraging method involves cooperative surface-skimming and pouch-scooping in shallow waters.
Great White Pelicans are primarily diurnal, spending their days foraging and resting, often congregating in large communal roosts, sometimes on sandbars or small islands. Their foraging strategy is highly cooperative; groups of pelicans often form a line or horseshoe shape to drive fish into shal...
The Great White Pelican has a vast, though fragmented, range spanning across sub-Saharan Africa, parts of Asia, and Eastern Europe. Its primary breeding strongholds in Europe include the Danube Delta in Romania, and other wetlands in Ukraine, Turkey, and Russia. In Asia, breeding colonies are fou...
Least Concern
- The Great White Pelican's gular pouch is not used for storing food, but rather as a scoop for catching fish, holding up to 13 liters of water and fish temporarily. - Despite its massive size, it is an incredibly efficient flier, utilizing thermal updrafts to soar effortlessly for hours, sometim...