A bird that looks almost prehistoric, and for good reason—it is among the largest flying birds in the world, rivaling even the great albatrosses in wingspan. Found across lakes, rivers, and deltas of southeastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia, this giant pelican can reach a wingspan of up to 3.5 meters (11 feet) and weigh over 15 kilograms (33 pounds). When it spreads its enormous wings, with their silvery-gray feathers catching the light, it looks like something out of ancient times.
Unlike the pure white great white pelican, the dalmatian pelican wears a shaggy, silvery plumage that almost looks like it has been ruffled by the wind. In the breeding season, adults develop a fiery orange-red pouch beneath their long bill, which contrasts beautifully with their grayish body and frizzy crest of feathers on the back of the head. Outside of breeding, the pouch fades to a yellowish tone, but the bird still carries an aura of grandeur. Its massive bill—up to 45 cm (18 inches) long—is not just for show; it is a finely tuned tool for scooping up fish, their primary food source.
Despite their size, dalmatian pelicans are graceful on the water and in the air. They are powerful fliers, often gliding in formation with slow, deep wingbeats, and they can soar high on thermals like eagles. On lakes and rivers, they feed by swimming in small groups, herding fish together and then plunging their bills into the water in unison. Unlike some other pelicans, they usually fish individually or in loose groups rather than in tight, coordinated teams. Their diet mainly consists of carp, catfish, and other freshwater fish, making them key players in wetland ecosystems.
Distribution
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bangladesh
Bosnia And Herz.
Official estimate
Bulgaria
China
Croatia
Official estimate
Cyprus
Czechia
Egypt
Georgia
Germany
Official estimate
Greece
Hong Kong
Hungary
Official estimate
India
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Italy
Japan
Kazakhstan
Korea
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Latvia
Lebanon
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
North Macedonia
Official estimate
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Poland
Romania
Russia
Serbia
Slovakia
Spain
Sri Lanka
Official estimate
Syria
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Turkey
UAE
Ukraine
UzbekistanAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Flock
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
