great white pelican

The Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus), also known as the eastern white pelican or rosy pelican, is one of the world's most recognizable water birds. Belonging to the pelican family, this majestic species is celebrated for its massive wingspan and striking white plumage. It breeds in a wide range stretching from southeastern Europe through Asia and Africa, typically inhabiting swamps and shallow lakes.

Standing between 140-175 cm in length, the Great White Pelican is a giant among water birds. Its plumage is predominantly white with a faint pink tinge, though its primary and secondary flight feathers are a contrasting solid black. Key physical features include:

• Bill and Pouch: A long, bluish-grey bill with a red tip and a large, yolk-yellow gular pouch used for fishing.
• Facial Skin: Naked facial skin that turns pinkish (males) or orangey (females) during the breeding season.
• Eyes: Dark eyes surrounded by pinkish skin and dark brown irides.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males are generally larger with a downward bend in the neck, while females have shorter, straighter beaks.

Great White Pelicans prefer large, warm, and shallow water bodies. Their ideal environments are usually surrounded by dense vegetation and reed beds. Common habitats include:

• Freshwater and saline lakes
• Estuaries and mudflats
• Creeks and ponds
• Coastal lagoons

The diet of the Great White Pelican consists mainly of fish. They are most active during the early morning and early evening hours. While fish are their primary food source, they are opportunistic feeders and may also consume:

• Small birds
• Frogs
• Crustaceans

During the breeding season, these birds undergo noticeable physical changes, such as the white plumage becoming tinged with a yellowish-rosy hue and a yellow patch appearing on the breast. They breed in colonies located in swamps and shallow lakes. The female's facial skin becomes a bright orange during this period, signaling her readiness to mate. They often nest in areas protected by dense reed beds to ensure the safety of their young.

Great White Pelicans are highly social and often fish in groups, cooperative behavior that helps them corral fish into shallower water. In flight, they are magnificent, showing a white underwing with black remiges. They are also migratory birds, covered under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

The Great White Pelican is currently rated as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, it is protected under several international frameworks due to its migratory nature, including:

• Appendix I of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species.
• Annexure I of the EU Birds Directive.
• Appendix II of the Berne Convention.

1. The Great White Pelican is distinguished from others by its naked face; the feathering on its forehead tapers to a fine point.
2. It is one of the largest flying birds in the world.
3. Despite their size, they are graceful flyers and often travel in V-formations.
4. Their gular pouch can hold several liters of water along with their catch.

For the best viewing experience, visit large wetland areas or shallow lakes during the early morning or early evening when they are most active. Look for them in Important Bird Areas (IBAs) across Europe and Africa. Bring a spotting scope to identify the specific pinkish facial patches and the unique feathering on the forehead that distinguishes them from the Dalmatian Pelican.

The Great White Pelican is a vital component of wetland ecosystems across three continents. With its impressive size, social fishing tactics, and beautiful rosy-white plumage, it remains a favorite for birdwatchers and conservationists alike. Protecting their shallow-water habitats is essential for ensuring these magnificent birds continue to thrive.