Great White Pelican

Description

The pelican is a very large aquatic bird, basically white and with a long beak, with a wide stretchable pouch that continues over the throat. At the tip of the beak, it has a down-curved hook, which is strong and which it uses to catch fish. It is easily distinguished from other types of pelicans when in flight as the underside of its wings are black. Its legs are short, robust and pink, with toes joined by interdigital membranes. 

Behaviour

The populations that live in Africa breed throughout the year, whilst those in temperate areas only do so in spring. They form large breeding colonies in areas with dense vegetation. The nests consist of large platforms built using reeds, sticks, etc. The average brood consists of 2 eggs and incubation lasts 29-36 days. The chicks are born without feathers and are completely dependent on their parents. 

Interesting facts

They are gregarious and fish in large flocks, surrounding and capturing the banks of fish in shallow waters. They can store up to 13 L of water in the throat pouch. They are excellent swimmers and also good flyers.