Special features:
Massive bill and pouch: Their long, broad bill is used to scoop up fish, with the pouch serving as a sort of net to hold prey before they swallow it.
Impressive wingspan: With wings stretching up to 2.5 meters, these pelicans are fantastic fliers, able to soar effortlessly above the water in search of food or new territories.
Distinctive call: Their call is a deep, throaty “caw” that is quite unlike other waterbirds.
Large colonies: They often nest in large, noisy groups, creating a spectacle when flying in formation
Did you know?:
While Australian Pelicans are typically associated with coastal areas, it’s not uncommon to spot one (or even a couple) wandering further inland. Sometimes, they find their way to acreage dams, looking a little out of place but still managing to make quite the impression. It’s always a bit of a surprise for locals when they see these large, graceful birds paddling in the middle of a dam, their enormous bills scooping at the water, as if they’ve discovered a hidden oasis far from the ocean. It’s a reminder of just how adaptable these pelicans can be—whether gliding over the sea or visiting an inland dam, they seem to find a way to make every waterhole feel like home.
View more information on this bird at Birdlife Australia: https://birdlife.org.au/bird-profiles/australian-pelican/
Habitat: Coastal, Wetlands
Location: 1770-Foreshore, 1770-Joseph Banks Cons Park Nth, 1770-LARC Bird Tour, 1770-Sandbar
Size: Very Large
Type of bird: Water Birds
