ComingsBirds.com/KenyaTanzaniaL-Z

To the Beauty of Birds

The Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) also known as the eastern white pelican, rosy pelican or white pelican is a bird in the pelican family. It breeds from southeastern Europe through Asia and in Africa in swamps and shallow lakes.

The great white pelican is a huge bird, with only the Dalmatian pelican averaging larger amongst the pelicans. The wingspan can range from 7.41 to 11.81 ft, with the latter measurement the largest recorded among extant flying animals outside of the great albatrosses. The total length of the great white pelican can range from 55 to 71 in, with the enormous bill comprising 11.4 to 18.5 in of that length. Adult males, weigh from 20 to 33 lb, though large races from the Palaearctic are usually around 24 lb with few exceeding 29 lb.

Immature great white pelicans are grey and have dark flight feathers. In flight, it is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. In breeding condition the male has pinkish skin on its face and the female has orangey skin. It differs from the Dalmatian pelican by its pure white, rather than greyish-white, plumage, a bare pink facial patch around the eye and pinkish legs.

The great white pelican is well adapted for aquatic life. The short strong legs and webbed feet propel it in water and aid the rather awkward takeoff from the water surface. Once aloft, the long-winged pelicans are powerful fliers, however, and often travel in spectacular V-formation groups.

Great White Pelican

Pelican Great White 9014

Pelicans Great White 9002

Pelicans Great White 9006

Pelican Great White 2051