Dalmatian Pelican

Pelecanus crispus

Dalmatian Pelicans are one of the largest Pelican species, and are found in two populations that migrate between . The first is located in Eastern Europe, and the second can be found in Russian and South and Central Asia. They have white plumage and large yellow bills outside the breeding season, but when that time of year rolls around their feathers take on a silvery-white sheen and the pouches turn reddish-orange. They also sport a bushy crest of feathers on the back of their heads and necks.

Adult Dalmation Pelicans reach sexual maturity at 3-4 years of age. They form monogamous pair bonds that will return to the same nesting site year after year. Nests are often built among floating vegetation, which protects the eggs and hatchlings from terrestrial predators.

Dalmatian Pelicans are excellent fishermen, and use their large bill pouches to scoop up and carry their prey. In some areas, like the Prespa Lakes in Greece, the Pelicans work with Comorants to catch fish. The Comorants are divers, and when they plunge down into the water the fish move up to the surface, making it easier for the Pelicans to snatch them up.

Dalmatian Pelicans are vulnerable due to loss of wetlands, hunting, pesticides, and loss of food. They are currently listed on CITES Appendix I.

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IUCN Status :  Vulnerable
Location : Europe and Central Asia
Size : Length up to 75in (190cm), Wingspan 10ft (3m)
Classification : Phylum  : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Pelecaniformes
Family : Pelecanidae -- Genus : Pelecanus -- Species : P. crispus