ExploreBirds

Dalmatian Pelican

Pelecanus crispus

The Dalmatian Pelican is a large, beautiful bird with a long bill and fluffy feathers. They love to fish and can be found near lakes and rivers, where they glide gracefully over the water.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Dalmatian Pelican is a massive bird with striking silvery-white plumage, often appearing greyish from a distance. It has a distinctive shaggy mane of curly feathers on its nape and a bright orange-red gular pouch, which intensifies during breeding season.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPelecaniformesFamilyPelecanidaeGenusPelecanus
Dalmatian Pelican
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Dalmatian Pelican

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby pelicans are born completely helpless, blind and featherless at birth!

Their huge beak pouch can stretch to hold over 13 liters of water!

They are the rarest of all pelican species, making them special to spot!

Unlike most pelicans, they often hunt alone, gracefully fishing from the surface!

Special abilities

Ability

Mega Mouth Pouch

Dalmatian Pelican has a huge, expandable gular pouch that helps them scoop up large amounts of fish effortlessly.

Ability

Feathered Air Bags

Dalmatian Pelican has lightweight, air-filled bones that help them soar high and stay buoyant on water.

Ability

Thermal Rider

Dalmatian Pelican can expertly use warm air currents to soar high and travel long distances with minimal effort.

Ability

Shaggy Head Decor

Dalmatian Pelican has distinct shaggy, curly feathers on its head and nape, giving it a unique, regal appearance.

Measurements & details

Length
160-180 cm
Wingspan
270-320 cm
Weight
10-15 kg
Lifespan
16-25 years
Top Speed
55 km/h
Clutch Size
2-3
Incubation
30-32 days
Migration Distance
3000 km

Diet & Feeding

These large birds primarily eat fish, scooping them up with their enormous beak pouches!

Primary Foods

  • Cyprinus carpio
  • Anguilla anguilla
  • Mugil cephalus
  • Perca fluviatilis

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

A primary and abundant food source.

eaten by

European Eel

Anguilla anguilla

Frequently caught in shallow waters.

eaten by

Golden Jackal

Canis aureus

Preys on pelican eggs and vulnerable chicks.

symbiotic with

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

Often nests within Dalmatian Pelican colonies.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and do not try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Dalmatian Pelican?

160-180 cm

What is Dalmatian Pelican's wingspan?

270-320 cm

How much does Dalmatian Pelican weigh?

10-15 kg

How long does Dalmatian Pelican live?

16-25 years

How fast can Dalmatian Pelican move?

55 km/h

What does Dalmatian Pelican eat?

These large birds primarily eat fish, scooping them up with their enormous beak pouches!

Where is Dalmatian Pelican usually found?

Wetlands

How does Dalmatian Pelican hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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