Great White Pelican
Pelecanus onocrotalus
Aves › Pelecaniformes › Pelecanidae › Pelecanus
Conservation status: least_concern
The great white pelican, also known as the eastern white pelican, rosy pelican or simply white pelican, is a bird in the pelican family. It breeds from southeastern Europe through Asia and Africa, in swamps and shallow lakes.
How To Identify
These large birds are predominantly brilliant white, featuring immense bills that contrast with patches of bright yellow and orange coloring around the eyes.
Habitat
It typically inhabits large bodies of freshwater and coastal waters across Africa, southern Europe, and Asia, favoring lakes, river deltas, and shallow coastal lagoons.
Behaviour
Great White Pelicans are highly social and often hunt cooperatively in groups, herding fish into shallow waters by swimming in coordinated formations before scooping them up with their enormous bills.
Native Range
The Great White Pelican is native to regions ranging from Southeast Europe across Central Asia to the western edge of the Indian subcontinent and throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
Did You Know?
Its wingspan can measure up to 360 cm, which is the highest among extant flying animals outside of the great albatross.
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