About the Dalmatian Pelican
The Dalmatian pelican, also known as the curly-headed pelican, is the largest member of the pelican family and among the heaviest flying birds in the world. With a wingspan typically ranging between 2.7 and 3.2 metres, it ranks among the largest soaring birds. These pelicans are known for their graceful flight and often travel in synchronised flocks. With a range spanning across much of Central Eurasia, from the eastern Mediterranean in the west to the Taiwan Strait in the east, and from the Persian Gulf in the south to Siberia in the north, it is a short-to-medium-distance migrant between breeding and overwintering areas.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The Dalmatian pelican is the largest of all pelican species and one of the heaviest flying birds in the world, with a body length of 1.6–1.8 m (5 ft 3 in – 5 ft 11 in), a wingspan typically ranging between 2.7–3.2 m (8 ft 10 in – 10 ft 6 in)., and an average weight of about 9.5 kg (21 lb). The species is most easily recognised by its enormous bill, which typically measures between 37 and 45 cm (15 and 18 in) long and includes a large pouch used for catching fish.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United Kingdom, France, Norway, Germany, Spain, Israel, Italy, Mongolia, Switzerland, Portugal, Singapore, Cyprus, Slovakia.
When to see it
Peak activity in January · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Pink-backed PelicanPelecanus rufescensIt is a relatively small pelican, although by no means is it a small bird.
Peruvian PelicanPelecanus thagusThese birds are dark in colour with a white stripe from the top of the bill up to the crown and down the sides of the neck.
Spot-billed PelicanPelecanus philippensisThe spot-billed pelican is a rather large water bird, often the largest or one of the largest native birds in the southern stretches of its range, albeit it is fairly small for a pelican.
Learn the Dalmatian Pelican for real
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