Old World white pelican
The Old World white pelican, also known as the eastern white pelican or rosy pelican, is a notable seabird characterized by its striking white plumage and impressive size. Reaching lengths of 54 to 66 inches (137 to 167.5 centimeters) and weighing between 20 to 30 pounds (9 to 14 kilograms), this bird is equipped with a large yellow-and-black bill that can extend up to 1.5 feet (45 centimeters) and features an elastic pouch capable of holding nearly 3.5 gallons (13 liters) of water and fish. These pelicans inhabit select areas in central Asia, Africa, and eastern Europe, with significant populations found in the Danube River delta.
Unlike some other pelican species, the Old World white pelican feeds by swimming rather than diving, often working in groups to herd fish into shallow waters. They typically consume over four pounds (two kilograms) of live fish daily, although they may also scavenge for food. Breeding occurs between April and July in Europe, with nests built near water using twigs and reeds. After a careful incubation period, the chicks rely on their parents for food until they can forage independently by around 16 to 17 months of age. The Old World white pelican's unique feeding and nesting behaviors highlight its adaptation to aquatic environments, making it a fascinating subject of study for bird enthusiasts and ecologists alike.
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Old World white pelican
The Old World white pelican can hold nearly 3 1/2 gallons (13 liters) in the great, yellow pouch beneath its long bill. This is two to three times the capacity of its stomach. It eats more than four pounds (two kilograms) of live fish each day. It is also called the eastern white pelican, rosy pelican, or white pelican.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Pelecanidae
Genus: Pelecanus
Species: Onocrotalus
This large seabird has white plumage, or feathering, over its entire body, which may be 54 to 66 inches (137 to 167 1/2 centimeters) long and weigh 20 to 30 pounds (9 to 14 kilograms). Its wings span eight to nine feet (2 1/2 to 3 meters) and have black feathers along the trailing edges. A large yellow-and-black bill extends up to 1 1/2 feet (45 centimeters) from the front of its face. From the bottom of the bill hangs a large, elastic pouch that expands to hold nearly 3 1/2 gallons (13 liters).
Old World white pelicans live only in a few small locations in central Asia, Africa, and eastern Europe. One of the greater populations lives in the delta region of the Danube River in Eastern Europe. They live in colonies near bodies of fresh or salt water where they catch fish. These pelicans do not dive like other pelicans but feed while swimming. The air sacs under their skin aid in floating and swimming. They feed alone or in groups. A group of pelicans forms a semicircle and beats their wings on the water as they move toward the shore. This herds the fish into a school in shallow water so the birds can scoop them into their bills. Water and fish enter the gaping pouches and bills. The water drains out, and the pelicans can swallow their fish. Each adult bird must eat more than four pounds (two kilograms) of live fish daily, but it may also eat garbage and other young birds.
Old World white pelicans breed between April and July in Europe, and those in Asia likely breed at a similar time. Breeding season may be at the opposite time of the year in Africa since the seasons are different between the northern and southern hemispheres. The male and female build a nest of twigs and reeds on the ground, in bushes, or in mangrove trees. Nests are always near the water for ease of feeding and because the pelicans move awkwardly on land. The male and female incubate one to six bluish-white eggs until they hatch after four or five weeks. Only one usually survives the cold, wet weather of their habitats. The parents feed partly-digested fish to their naked, blind, and weak chicks at first. After a while, the chicks reach inside their parents' pouches for food. An adult may fly 5 to 30 miles (8 to 48 kilometers) to find food for itself and its family. The pelican chick can fly and be independent when it is 16 to 17 months old.
Bibliography
Campbell, Emily. "Pelecanus Onocrotalus." Animal Diversity Web, 2022, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Pelecanus‗onocrotalus. Accessed 1 May 2024.
"Pelicans." National Geographic, www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/facts/pelicans. Accessed 1 May 2024.
"Pelican." San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/pelican. Accessed 1 May 2024.