Also known as the Eastern White Pelican or White Pelican.
It breeds from southeastern Europe through Asia and in Africa in swamps and shallow lakes. Its short strong legs, webbed feet, pouched bill and long wings provide for excellent adaptation to aquatic life.
Great White Pelicans are large birds with mass of 10kg, 160cm long and with a 280cm wingspan. Males are larger than females, and have a long beak that grows in a downwards arc, as opposed to the shorter, straighter beak of the female.
The diet of the Great White Pelican consists mainly of fish. Each pelican needs about 1.4kg of fish every day. Great White Pelicans also eat crustaceans, tadpoles and even turtles. They readily accept handouts from humans, and a number of unusual items have been recorded in their diet.
Large numbers of these pelicans breed together in colonies. The female lays 2 to 4 eggs. Nest location varies with some populations making stick nests in trees and others, such as those in Africa, nesting exclusively in scrapes on the ground lined with grass, sticks, feathers and other material. The young are cared for by both parents.
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