Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus)
Pelican Point, Walvis Bay, Namibia.
The Great White Pelican is a huge bird. In breeding condition the male has pinkish skin on its face and the female has orangey skin. It has white plumage, a bare pink facial patch around the eye and pinkish legs. Males are larger than females, and have a long beak that grows in a downwards arc, as opposed to the shorter, straighter beak of the female. Immature Great White Pelicans are grey and have dark flight feathers.
The pelican's pouch serves simply as a scoop. As the pelican pushes its bill underwater, the lower bill bows out, creating a large pouch which fills with water and fish. As the bird lifts its head, the pouch contracts, forcing out the water but retaining the fish.
The Great White Pelican breeds from southeastern Europe through Asia and in Africa in swamps and shallow lakes. In Africa, they occur mainly around freshwater and alkaline lakes, and may also be found in coastal areas.
Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus)
Pelican Point, Walvis Bay, Namibia.
The Great White Pelican is a huge bird. In breeding condition the male has pinkish skin on its face and the female has orangey skin. It has white plumage, a bare pink facial patch around the eye and pinkish legs. Males are larger than females, and have a long beak that grows in a downwards arc, as opposed to the shorter, straighter beak of the female. Immature Great White Pelicans are grey and have dark flight feathers.
The pelican's pouch serves simply as a scoop. As the pelican pushes its bill underwater, the lower bill bows out, creating a large pouch which fills with water and fish. As the bird lifts its head, the pouch contracts, forcing out the water but retaining the fish.
The Great White Pelican breeds from southeastern Europe through Asia and in Africa in swamps and shallow lakes. In Africa, they occur mainly around freshwater and alkaline lakes, and may also be found in coastal areas.