Bird · GBIF taxon 2480353
Dalmatian Pelican
Pelecanus crispusAlso known as Curly-headed Pelican
The Dalmatian Pelican is an enormous pale waterbird with silvery curled nape feathers, broad wings, and a long pouched bill. It fishes in shallow lakes and lagoons, sometimes cooperating in loose groups, and breeds colonially on low islands or dense vegetation.
Giant WaterbirdPouched BillWetland Colony

Licensed reference(c) vaidyarupal, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Carp
- Perch
- Eels
Predators
- White-tailed eagles
- Foxes
- Feral dogs
ThreatsWetland drainage, colony disturbance, power-line collision, fishing-gear entanglement, and prey depletion
HabitatsLarge shallow lakes, freshwater marshes, river deltas, reservoirs, lagoons, and sheltered coasts
Life spanOften 15 to 25 years, with some pelicans living longer
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPelecanidae
- SpeciesPelecanus crispus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Remain at designated viewpoints and give feeding or nesting groups a very wide berth.
Responsible observation
- Head: Look for silvery curled nape feathers and a massive bill.
- Colony: Use distant optics and stop if any bird becomes alert or leaves its nest.
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.
