ExploreBirds

Great White Pelican

Pelecanus onocrotalus

The Great White Pelican is a large, graceful bird with a big bill and white feathers. They are often seen gliding over lakes and wetlands, using their strong wings to soar high in the sky.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Great White Pelican has mostly pristine white plumage with contrasting black flight feathers visible when its wings are spread. It features a large, flattened bill, a striking yellow to orange throat pouch, and pinkish-yellow legs. Its sheer size and the distinctive pouch make it unmistakable.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPelecaniformesFamilyPelecanidaeGenusPelecanus
Great White Pelican
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Great White Pelican

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A pelican's pouch can hold up to 3 gallons of water, more than its stomach!

Pelicans have a special bone on their tongue to help them swallow huge fish!

Their large feet are webbed, making them excellent swimmers in the water.

They often gather in flocks of thousands, creating a noisy spectacle!

Special abilities

Ability

Super Scoop Pouch

Great White Pelican has a giant throat pouch that helps them scoop up large amounts of fish like a fishing net.

Ability

Group Fishing Power

Great White Pelicans can work together to herd fish, making it easier for them to catch meals.

Ability

Sky Soaring Master

Great White Pelicans can soar effortlessly on thermal air currents, saving energy during long flights.

Measurements & details

Length
140-180 cm
Wingspan
226-360 cm
Weight
9-15 kg
Lifespan
10-30 years
Top Speed
50 km/h
Clutch Size
1-4
Incubation
29-36 days
Migration Distance
3000 km

Diet & Feeding

These giant birds mostly eat fish, using their huge pouches to scoop up their slippery prey!

Primary Foods

  • tilapia
  • carp
  • cichlids
  • catfish
  • eels

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and don't disturb their nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Great White Pelican?

140-180 cm

What is Great White Pelican's wingspan?

226-360 cm

How much does Great White Pelican weigh?

9-15 kg

How long does Great White Pelican live?

10-30 years

How fast can Great White Pelican move?

50 km/h

What does Great White Pelican eat?

These giant birds mostly eat fish, using their huge pouches to scoop up their slippery prey!

Where is Great White Pelican usually found?

Wetlands

How does Great White Pelican hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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