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Australian Pelican

Pelecanus conspicillatus

The Australian Pelican is a large bird known for its long beak and big, flappy wings. They love to fish and can often be seen gliding over the water or floating in groups.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Australian Pelican is a strikingly large bird, mostly pure white with distinctive black primary and secondary flight feathers. Its enormous, shovel-like bill is usually pale pink to blue-grey, darkening during breeding season, and makes it instantly recognizable.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPelecaniformesFamilyPelecanidaeGenusPelecanus
Australian Pelican
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Australian Pelican

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its amazing pouch can hold up to 13 litres of water, like a bucket!

Pelican bills change colour dramatically, glowing pink or orange during breeding season!

They sometimes use their large wings to slap the water, scaring fish towards them!

Wow! The longest bird bill in the world belongs to this pelican!

Special abilities

Ability

Fishing Net Beak

Australian Pelican has a huge, stretchy pouch attached to its lower bill that helps them scoop up large amounts of fish like a net.

Ability

Sky Sailor

Australian Pelican can soar effortlessly on thermal currents for hours because of their broad wings, helping them conserve energy.

Ability

Team Fisher

Australian Pelican can work together to herd fish into shallows because of their cooperative nature, helping them catch more prey.

Measurements & details

Length
160-190 cm
Wingspan
230-260 cm
Weight
4-8 kg
Lifespan
10-25 years
Top Speed
56 km/h
Clutch Size
1-4
Incubation
28-35 days

Diet & Feeding

These big birds mostly eat fish, using their huge bill and pouch like a scoop!

Primary Foods

  • Fish (various species)
  • Yabbies
  • Frogs
  • Tadpoles

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Flathead Mullet

Mugil cephalus

common fish prey in coastal and estuarine waters.

hunts

Mosquitofish

Gambusia holbrooki

invasive fish species often consumed in freshwater habitats.

eaten by

White-bellied Sea-Eagle

Haliaeetus leucogaster

chicks or eggs can be predated by this large raptor.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Watch from a distance and don't try to feed wild birds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Australian Pelican?

160-190 cm

What is Australian Pelican's wingspan?

230-260 cm

How much does Australian Pelican weigh?

4-8 kg

How long does Australian Pelican live?

10-25 years

How fast can Australian Pelican move?

56 km/h

What does Australian Pelican eat?

These big birds mostly eat fish, using their huge bill and pouch like a scoop!

Where is Australian Pelican usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Australian Pelican hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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