GREAT WHITE PELICAN
Pelecanus onocrotalus
DESCRIPTION
The Great White Pelican is a large waterbird known for its distinctive long bill and large throat pouch. It is primarily found in shallow lakes and wetlands across Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia.
FUN FACTS
- Great White Pelicans can dive to catch fish | They have a wingspan of up to 3 meters | Their throat pouch can hold up to 13 liters of water
QUICK INFO
Lifespanup to 25 years in the wild
Average Weight10-15 kg
Average Length1.2-1.8 m
Diet TypePiscivore
Social Structuregroup — they often gather in large colonies for breeding and feeding.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (April-June)
- Habitat
- These pelicans inhabit freshwater and brackish water bodies, including lakes, rivers, and marshes. They prefer areas with abundant fish and suitable nesting sites.
- Biomes
- Wetlands, Freshwater, Coastal
- Native Range
- The native range includes parts of southeastern Europe, Africa, and southwestern Asia.
- Continent
- Europe, Africa, Asia
- Countries
- Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Egypt, India
- Diet
- Great White Pelicans primarily feed on fish, which they catch using their large bills. They may also consume small amphibians and crustaceans.
- Diet Type
- Piscivore
- Favorite Food
- fish
- Social Structure
- group — they often gather in large colonies for breeding and feeding.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 10-100
- Territorial
- 0
VU
10-15 kg
Weight
1.2-1.8 m
Length
- Coloration
- primarily white with some grayish tones on the wings and a pinkish hue during breeding season.
- Lifespan
- up to 25 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 1-3
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-4 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (April-June)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, but local declines have been observed in some areas.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 50,000-100,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss due to wetland drainage and pollution, as well as disturbances from human activities.
- Predators
- large birds of prey, humans
- Found in Zoos
- Common