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
—observations
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—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
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.
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