It is listed under Appendix I of theConvention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, Annexure I under the EU Birds Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds, and Appendix II of the Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats. Pink-backed pelicans are found in subtropical and tropical Africa; from Mauritania east to Port Sudan, Sudan; and Port Said, Egypt, south to Cape Town, South Africa. The Dalmatian Pelican can be found from south-eastern Europe through central Asia to western Mongolia. These birds also can get captured and killed in fishing nets. Where do pelicans migrate to in the winter? Some Atlantic and Gulf coast populations migrate further south along the coast during the coldest months of the year. On the Pacific coast, pelicans leave the Gulf of California after breeding, cross the Baja peninsula, and migrate as far north as British Columbia , returning south to breeding areas Short, webbed feet help these aquatic birds swim while in the water. The range of the pelican is spread from the west coast of Senegal to the east coast of Ethiopia, through Africa. Great white pelicans mostly eat fish species, but have been known to eat cape cormorant Phalacrocorax capensis and the kelp gull Larus dominicanus eggs when other food becomes scarce. Peruvian pelicans prefer shallow inshore waters, including estuaries and bays. Migrants are often noted in spring or fall passing various western hawkwatches, particularly the Smith Point and Hazel Bazemore hawkwatches in Texas. sp., an epidermoptid mite for Pelecanus onocrotalus (Avarina: Epidermoptidae). Three of the eight species of pelican in this post are listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List Of Threatened Species. Livingdesert.org. This species is found along waterbodies such as lagoons, marshes, rivers and their deltas, lakes and estuaries. These birds feed on fish in warm, shallow waters. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'animals_net-box-4','ezslot_3',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-box-4-0');The American white pelican is found in North America and Mexico. Chef Reader is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. WebThe great white pelican is the second largest of species based on average size after the Dalmatian pelican. Development of industries and agriculture (irrigation on rivers) also have an impact. Sometimes, groups of pelicans work together to herd fish into the shallows for easy feeding. In recent years pink-backed pelicans have been sighted in Europe, as far north as Dolnaslaskie Province, Poland. The American white pelican is a majestic bird that can be found around the coasts and inland waterways of the North American shores. Great white pelicans are migratory birds. The great white pelican has been rated as a species ofleast concernon theIUCN Red Listof Endangered Species(IUCN). "Pelecanus onocrotalus" If a small reptile or amphibian comes their way, they might eat that, too! Your email address will not be published. The male pelican has a pink patch of skin around the eyes and the female pelican has a yellowish orange patch of skin around the eyes during breeding season. Every now and then there are arguments. When wintering in India, they prefer jheels and lagoons. The oldest known American White Pelican at least 23 years, 6 months old and was banded in North Dakota in 1983. Colonial Waterbirds, 19/1: 207-218. When hot, they will spread their wings or gape to cool down. To use social login you have to agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. A terrestrial biome found in temperate latitudes (>23.5 N or S latitude). Pelicans usually eats fish weighing between 300-600 grams. These large-feathered Australians are nomadic. Resident to medium-distance migrant. The gray pelican is one of the smallest pelican species, it is found in South Asia and Southeast Asia. It is On the other hand, floods can cause a decrease in nesting sites. Some pelicans also clap their bill while looking up, gape, bow, and wag their head to defend territory. American white pelican is a very large bird, measuring about five feet, weighing 11-30 pounds with a wingspan of nearly nine feet. When the fish supply is scarce, the pelican will fish in a group by swimming in a V-shaped formation towards land and scoop up the fish in their pouches in a choreographed manner. Their head rests back on their shoulders, their eyes close and their feathers ruffled against the cold. Along with the giant pouch, pelicans are a large bird with short legs, and they appear rather clumsy on land. Though American White Pelicans breed at fewer than 60 colonies in total, their large size and propensity to travel large distances, even when breeding, make finding them fairly straightforward. America is home to two species of pelicans: the American White and the Brown. They use their versatile pouch as a type of air conditioner. Size of egg: 2.8 x 1.8 inches (72 x 46 millimeters) to 4 x 2.5 inches (106 x 64 millimeters), depending on species, Incubation period: 29 to 36 days, depending on species, Age at fledge: 63 to 120 days, depending on species, Length: Largest - Dalmatian pelican Pelecanus crispus, 5.2 to 5.9 feet (1.6 to 1.8 meters); smallest - brown pelican Pelecanus occidentails, 3.4 to 5 feet (1 to 1.5 meters), Weight: Heaviest - great white pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus, 20 to 33 pounds (9 to 15 kilograms); lightest - brown pelican, 7.7 pounds (3.5 kilograms), Wingspan: 6.7 to 11.8 feet (2 to 3.6 meters), depending on species. However, one mate may not always be loyal. A Field Guide to Birds of the Gambia and Senegal. The global population of the great white pelican is estimated to include between 265,000 and 295,000 individuals. Exoticheritagegroup.com. Responses of waterbirds to helicopter disturbance and fish poisoning by rotenone at Paardevlei, South Africa. These stylish-looking pelicans are the largest of all pelicans and can be found across southeast Europe and eastern Asia. Endothermy is a synapomorphy of the Mammalia, although it may have arisen in a (now extinct) synapsid ancestor; the fossil record does not distinguish these possibilities. They also frequent New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and New Zealand. The Animal Diversity Web team is excited to announce ADW Pocket Guides! Hello, I'm Mary! in the area where the Danube flows into the Black Sea in many branches. Find out how long pelicans live and other amazing facts in this article here on my blog. Distribution map. Discover more American birds in this article here on the site. They nest on islands or amongst dense vegetation. During flight, the wings are flapping in a synchronized order so all the birds in the V-shape formation can benefit from it. The parents take turns incubating one to six bluish-white eggs, laid days apart, on the top of their feet. The nest of this species may be a platform of sticks or a shallow scrape in the ground. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T22697590A85071806. Sticks and reeds that were brought in the male pelicans pouch will make up the nest. Avian flocks are typically associated with migration. To learn more about pelicans, read the Birdwatch World articles below: Barry is a bird photographer and bird watcher with over 7 years of experience. Ethical Theory and Moral Practice, 10/2: 159-182. Reference and further resources. These birds will use a range of stopover sites during these transits. Where does the Great White Pelican live? This is particularly unfortunate because the species of fish consumed by most of these birds does not overlap with those captured by commercial fisheries. Just like the peregrine falcon, the pesticide DDT caused massive declines in pelican populations. It is also listed within 108 Special Protection Areas in the European Union. Like a landing net, they catch fish with their throat pouch while swimming in the water. Variability of egg size and composition on the great white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus). The pelican will raise a closed bill with the gular pouch expanded towards mates, chicks, and other pelicans as a sign of threat or courtship. But then they can fly very long and very far. They are powerful fliers and often travel in flocks in a V-formation to reduce drag for the group. By the time the chicks are three months old they will begin to learn how to fly, and quickly become independent. Great white pelicans are very similar to American whites but live in southeastern Europe, Asia, and Africa. This shows the female the male's strength because it affects the vision while fishing. Their northern populations are migratory. Satellite tracking of migratory and ranging behavior of immature great white pelicans. An immature Brown Pelican, still learning to feed with its parents' efficiency, dives into the melee. The pelican also has been found on the east coast of Romania and Bulgaria along the Black Sea during breeding season. When fishermen snag a pelican, they often cut their lines rather than bringing the bird in and carefully removing the hook. Search in feature [online] Available at: [Accessed 18 January 2022]. They have also been seen in Indonesia. They use them to scoop up food but swallow their catch before flying off. In parts of their range this species is threatened by habitat loss and pollution, hunting and collisions with man-made structures. Although they are called white pelicans, their plumage is white, the large flight feathers on the wings are black. Colonial Waterbirds, 19/1: 56-64. WebPhysical Characteristics. Their bill is long and flat with a pouch that can hold three gallons of water. Northern breeding populations migrate to southern California, the Gulf States, Mexico, and Central America. The sobering statistic is that 48% of bird populations are decreasing. United Kingdom: Christopher Helm. They are monogamous during each breeding season, and both parents care for the chicks. Many fishermen view them as direct competitors for fish and will kill them out of retaliation. DePuy, W. 1899. Perrins, C. 2009. The pelicans are listed with no special status under the US Migratory Bird Act, US Federal List, and CITES. Breeding colonies often consist of hundreds of these birds all crowded onto one small island. The bird will fly 60 km to 100 km away from their nest everyday for food. Here they occur in the following countries Afghanistan; Albania; Algeria; Angola; Armenia; Austria; Azerbaijan; Bahrain;Bangladesh; BelarusBenin; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Botswana; Bulgaria; Burkina Faso; Burundi; Cameroon; Central African Republic; Chad; Congo; Cte dIvoire; Croatia; Cyprus; Czechia; Denmark; Djibouti; Egypt; Eritrea; Eswatini; Ethiopia; Finland; France; Gabon; Gambia; Georgia; Ghana; Greece; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; India; Iraq; Islamic Republic of Iran; Israel; Jordan; Kazakhstan; Kenya; Kuwait; Kyrgyzstan; Latvia; Lebanon; Libya; Malawi; Maldives; Mali; Malta; Mauritania; Morocco; Mozambique; Myanmar; Namibia; Netherlands; Niger; Nigeria; North Macedonia; Norway; Oman; Pakistan; Poland; Portugal; Romania; Russian Federation; Rwanda; Saudi Arabia; Senegal; Sierra Leone; Slovenia; Somalia; South Africa; South Sudan; Spain; Sri Lanka; State of Palestine; Sudan; Switzerland; Syrian Arab Republic The Democratic Republic of the Congo; Togo; Tunisia; These birds live in large groups known as flocks. Farner, D., J. A grassland with scattered trees or scattered clumps of trees, a type of community intermediate between grassland and forest. They find a school of fish and then collectively dip their beaks in the water to try and grab a fish. Around the world, pelicans are accused of competing with fishermen as well as with the commercial fishing industry. Precocial species are normall Seabirds (also known as marine birds) are birds that are adapted to life within the marine environment. Colonial Waterbirds, 19/1: 190-206. living in sub-Saharan Africa (south of 30 degrees north) and Madagascar. A lot of the information in this article has been sourced from The Handbook Of The Birds Of The World Vol. To threaten predators, the pelican will open its bill, raise it, and wave it. Around 10-20% of the population uses this island as a breeding ground. A range of threats are faced by this species. Its unique characteristic is the gular pouch inside its beak. The IUCN has estimated that the total breeding population of the brown pelican is estimated at 650,000 individuals, and the great white pelican stands at 180,000. Mature pelicans can start breeding as early as three years old. These birds live in flocks of up to 40,000 birds across parts of Europe, Africa and Asia. The spectacled pelican lives from Indonesia across Australia to the Fiji Islands. Read on to learn about the pelican.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'animals_net-medrectangle-3','ezslot_8',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-medrectangle-3-0'); These creatures are large aquatic birds with very long beaks. Look for them on inland lakes in summer and near coastlines in winter. Pelicans also get a little help staying afloat: air pockets in their skeleton and beneath their wings provide added buoyancy. The brown pelican can sight a fish when flying at heights up to 70 feet (21 meters). animals that use metabolically generated heat to regulate body temperature independently of ambient temperature. Due to their wide range it is difficult to list a trend for this species. These birds are found on the western coast of South America, from Same in northern Ecuador to Puerto Natales in southern Chile. Arriving flocks include 2-75 individuals. Great white pelicans will fly between 60 and 100 km from the colony to feed. Waterbirds, 30/3: 429-432. Pelicans(Order: Pelecaniformes, Family: Pelecanidae). The great white pelicans are considered monogamous pairs, which are formed through courtship. Extensive savannas are found in parts of subtropical and tropical Africa and South America, and in Australia. The pelican will make a loud grunt when taking off within a flock. 2000. The great white pelican is territorial of its nesting and breeding site. Four to five pelicans swim side by side, gliding in a semicircle facing the shore. Fain, A., W. Atyeo. In Europe, they mainly live in the Danube Delta, i.e. Required fields are marked *. Great white pelicans are found from south-eastern Europe to central Asia and India, as well as in large parts of Africa. These freshwater giants live in shallow swamps and are amongst the worlds largest flying birds. Get Instant ID help for 650+ North American birds. Your email address will not be published. WebThe great white pelican is the second largest of species based on average size after the Dalmatian pelican. Ecology and Conservations of Estuarine Ecosystems. Convergent in birds. Great White Pelican Wikipedia article -, 2. 2001. American White Pelican embryos squawk before hatching to express discomfort if conditions get too hot or cold. Learn more about the Great White Pelican in this video from GoPro on YouTube. These birds live in flocks of up to 40,000 birds across parts of Europe, Africa and Asia. Great white pelicans are carnivores. Migratory populations inhabit Eastern Europe to Kazakhstan when it is the breeding season and during the winter in northeast Africa and Iraq to the north of India and southern Vietnam. Finally, the Dalmatian and spot-billed pelicans are native to Asia. the area in which the animal is naturally found, the region in which it is endemic. (Catsadorakis, et al., 1996; Farner, et al., 1982; Perrins, 2009; Robert, 1985; Tets, 1965), The great white pelican feeds opportunistically on fish, and likely has little effect on the fish populations. An average male will measure 175cm (69in) long compared to 145cm (57in) long for the females. Animal migration is the relatively long-distance movement of individual animals, usually on a seasonal basis. The females facial skin turns pastel orange, and males get a pale yellow coloring on their face. Fire and grazing are important in the long-term maintenance of grasslands. Data table and detailed info. Parasite, 18/1: 39-48. Pelicans live on six of the seven continents, on or near water. The Auk, 96/2: 407-408. Oviparous animals are female animals that lay their eggs, with little or no other embryonic development within the mother. There is no order of precedence in these large colonies, the birds live together as equals. In the males, the skin around the eyes turns yellow-pink during the breeding season, and in the females, it turns bright orange. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'animals_net-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-large-leaderboard-2-0');In zoos, pelicans are given plenty of enclosure space for flight, lots of perches at various heights, and plenty of water sources for wading, floating, and eating fish. Waterbirds, 25/3: 295-304. Great white pelicans live surprisingly long. New York: NY: The Christian Herald. The cormorants dive deep in the water, which brings the fish to the surface for the pelican to scoop up! Great white pelicans are very social birds. It can be found as far south as Cape Town, South Africa. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They are found south of the Saraha Desert down to Capetown. In many places it is illegal to own a pelican as a pet, because they are protected under the Migratory Bird Act. Yet studies show that pelicans usually eat rough fish, such as carp, shiners, mullet, and minnows, which are not favorites with people. The great white pelican can also be found sporadically throughout parts of India, Afghanistan, Alkaline and freshwater lakes, and sometimes marine environments are where great white pelicans make their homes in Africa. WebOne of the largest North American birds, the American White Pelican is majestic in the air. The great white pelican is a host to a variety of flukes Dendritobilharzia loossi, Clinostomum phalacrocoracis, Renicola seunda, and Renicola tertia. American white, Australian, and great white pelicangroup fishers. FOTA Wildlife Park. Additionally, building powerlines underground has decreased deaths via the collision for the pelicans. [online] Available at: [Accessed 18 January 2022]. The unique pouch is also helpful in warm weather. A comparative study of some social communication patterns in the Pelecaniformes. Pelicans are social birds, both for breeding and eating. Sometimes the parent pelicans feed the young pelican after it fledges. They roost on cliffs, coral reefs, dunes, piers, and walls close to an abundant food source. Vegetation is made up mostly of grasses, the height and species diversity of which depend largely on the amount of moisture available. All photos used are royalty-free, and credits are included in the Alt tag of each image. He runs his own YouTube channel about photography and promotes his nature photography on his personal website barrycallisterphotography.com.au. Their huge bills and dangling gular pouches are unmistakable. Some populations are migratory and will breed in Europe before returning to Africa to spend the winter. Once disturbed, the whole colony will leave, and not return. The brood size of cranes. How Long Do Pelicans Live? As a juvenile, the pelican will grow grayish-brown feathers within 9-10 weeks. having the capacity to move from one place to another. The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds, birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation. 2007. The upper portion is a dark color while the pouch beneath is colored yellow. associates with others of its species; forms social groups. The breeding biology of the great white pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus roseus at Lake Shala, Ethiopia. The un-loyal pelican can mate with other pelicans in the same or different breeding sites. Pelicans seem to prefer warmer regions, but they do breed at latitudes as far as 45 South and 60 North. Field Guide to Birds of the Gambia and Senegal. Ibis, 111/2: 199-237. Protruding from the face is the large bill which is used to catch food. They are also commonly seen in New Guinea, New Zealand, and some surrounding islands. GREAT WHITE PELICAN. The lower half of a pelican's bill can hold up to 3 gallons (11 liters) of water, which is 2 to 3 times more than can be held in its stomach. Where do palaearctic great white pelicans (Pelecanus onocrotalus) presently overwinter?. A terrestrial biome. In Florida, they breed predominantly on mangrove islets; in the Gulf of California, they breed on dry, rocky offshore islands. Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society, 48/1: 21-26. Summary. (Perissinotto, et al., 2013). Incubating parents may also stretch their wings wide to aid cooling. He lives on the Pacific coast of Chile and Peru. Diurnal animals are active during the daytime, with a period of sleeping or other inactivity at night. The pelican can travel at 30- 44.5 km/hour. So you have decided to go on a birding trip and you are looking for some tips for planning it. He is also colored white with black flight feathers, has a yellow-orange eye-ring and a pink throat pouch. 2007. Small birds and invertebrates may also be consumed. But another problem confronts the brown pelican. What does the Great White Pelican look like? Pair bonding can last more than one breeding season. There has been a decrease in the population due to human disturbances, such as sewage, pesticides, introduction of heavy metals into the waters. Great white pelicans are waterfowl. The beak of the female is also shorter and straighter. When pelicans groom their feathers, they spread this substance all over their bodies and then shimmer pink. [online] Available at: [Accessed 18 January 2022]. Humid and warm regions such as the Danube Delta are ideal for them. It can be difficult to provide this in a private setting. The pelican will fish with other birds, like the brown pelican Pelecanus crispus and the great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis. Once the fish are in shallow water, it is easy for the pelicans to scoop them up in their bill! Perissinotto, R., D. Stretch, R. Taylor. This keeps their feathers from becoming waterlogged and weighing them down. at http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22697590/0. Chicks hatch with eyes shut and have a stubby bill and bare, pink skin. A substance that provides both nutrients and energy to a living thing. The brown pelican inhabits western coastal areas from Ketchikan in Alaska, all the way south to Coquimbo, Chile; and from the St. Lawrence River, Quebec, south to Cayenne in French Guiana in the east. They are considered extinct in Hungary and may also be extinct in Montenegro and Serbia. Only occasionally do they move their wings. mainly lives in oceans, seas, or other bodies of salt water. Pink-backed and spot-billed pelicanquick grabbers. 2022. When theyre resting, brown pelicans will favor sandbars, pilings, jetties, offshore rocks and islands, breakwaters, and mangrove islets. They also have long necks to match their long bills. Great White pelicans live, breed, migrate, feed, and fly in formation in large colonies. WebOne of the largest North American birds, the American White Pelican is majestic in the air. The brown pelican seems to be the only pelican that uses this method of fishing. Emily Campbell (author), Radford University, Cari Mcgregor (editor), Radford University, Zeb Pike (editor), Radford University, Karen Powers (editor), Radford University, April Tingle (editor), Radford University, Jacob Vaught (editor), Radford University, Genevieve Barnett (editor), Colorado State University. WebPelicans live in flocks, too, with the young and adults of both sexes grouped together throughout much of the year. Two species of pelican can be found on the African continent: the Great White and the Pink-backed. Breeding sites consist of swamps, lakes, island and wetlands. When youre on the lookout for pelicans, dont just look at the water surface; scan the skies and you may find large flocks of these immense birds soaring inconspicuously very high up. Brown, L., E. Urban. They are the Spot-billed Pelican and the flamboyant Dalmatian Pelican. 3/1, 1 Edition. Pink-backed and spot-billed pelicanquick grabbers. 1970. Additional support has come from the Marisla Foundation, UM College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, Museum of Zoology, and Information and Technology Services. Miller, R. 1973. Avian Biology Volume 6. Foraging trips of white pelicans (Pelecanus onocrotalus) breeding on Lake Mikri Prespa, Greece. The ADW Team gratefully acknowledges their support. WebThe American white pelican population is moderate but increasing. Only at mealtimes or in their large breeding colonies do the pelicans become vocal, indulging in a sort of grunting sound to express their excitement. Click here to support the IUCNs tireless work gathering the information we need to save these species. Air sacs under its skin cushion the impact of hitting the water, and the sacs also help the bird bob back to the surface like a feathered cork. Pelicans are undoubtedly most famous for their characteristic pouch. 1991. WebThe population size is very large, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). Savannas are grasslands with scattered individual trees that do not form a closed canopy. Other habitats they will occupy are swamps, estuaries, drainage channels in farmlands, saltpans, coastal lagoons, fishing ports, and temporarily flooded areas in dry zones. A pelicans typical fish selection primarily depends on its location, but common fish across the world are menhaden, herring, sheepshead, pigfish, minnows, silversides, and mullet. The status of the pink-backed pelican (Pelecanus rufescens) and the great white pelican (P. onocrotalus) in the Red Sea: The importance of Saudi Arabia. The length of the pelican ranges from 137.16-167.64 cm. Australian pelicans prefer large stretches of open water without too much vegetation. In the breeding season, these birds have a pinkish color, with usually yellow on the breast. Although it is still a vulnerable species, there is hope! Most striking is the up to 40 centimeters long beak with the throat pouch. Williams, T. 2007. In Europe, they occur in freshwater lakes, marshes, swamps or deltas, wherever there are sufficient amounts of grasses or reed beds for nesting. (Perrins, 2009; Brazil, 2009; Brown and Urban, 1969; Delhey, et al., 2007; Tets, 1965). The great white pelican ranges from the eastern Mediterranean to South Africa. This material is based upon work supported by the Cambridge: Cambidge University Press. 2022. Pelecanus onocrotalus. Different species of pelicans have different feeding strategies. The parents pour the food from their beak, into the young's beak. An adult pelican may eat up to 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms) of fish per day! Water evaporates more quickly from their skin, and their temperature decreases. The use of the insecticide DDT almost wiped out pelicans. Their beak is perfectly adapted for gathering fish. Pelicans are skillful food thieves. Some African populations are resident all year round and never endeavor on any migration. Pelicans are an old family of birds, with fossils dating back almost 40 million years. The Chilean pelican has gray plumage. Protruding from the face is the large bill which is used to catch food. Contributor Galleries A preliminary survey of the possible contamination of Lake Nakuru in Kenya with some metals and chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides. During breeding season, both male and female pelicans use their pouch to carry nest-building materials: twigs, grass, and feathers. Great white pelicans are found from south-eastern Europe to central Asia and India, as well as in large parts of Africa. Pelican chicks can crawl by 1 to 2 weeks of age. Campbell, E. 2022. The technique pushes all the fish inland, and the birds scoop the fish up with their large bills. Once a group of pelicans establishes a colony, they will often remain as part of that colony throughout most of the year. They are at home in different regions, but their lifestyle and behavior are quite similar. 1982. They bathe by ducking their head and body into the water while flapping their wings. By 1970, brown pelicans were listed asendangered. Accessed March 04, 2023 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Pelecanus_onocrotalus/. If displeased, they hiss through the gaping bill. at http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=3809. They prefer warm marine and estuarine environments and are rarely found inland. Spot-billed pelicans like marshes, rivers, estuaries, reservoirs, tanks, flooded fields, large lakes, brackish lagoons, tidal creeks, coastal waters, and jheels.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'birdwatchworld_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_4',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-birdwatchworld_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); These pelicans nest in large trees, normally in swamp forests or swampy savannas, sometimes alongside paddy fields.