These magnificent giants soar gracefully on broad, black-tipped wings, often riding thermals in synchronized, wheeling formations high in the sky. Unlike their brown relatives, they do not plunge-dive for food, choosing instead to corral fish cooperatively in shallow waters by swimming shoulder-to-shoulder and scooping up prey in their massive, expandable throat pouches. During the breeding season, adults grow a distinctive, temporary horn on the upper ridge of their bright orange bills.
ThreatsHabitat loss, water pollution, human disturbance at nesting colonies, and climate change
HabitatsLakes, marshes, estuaries, and coastal bays
Life span15 to 20 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
FamilyPelecanidae
SpeciesPelecanus erythrorhynchos
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
Low
Moderate
High
Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Capable of delivering a powerful pinch with their large bill if cornered; observe from a respectful distance.
Responsible observation
Watch for cooperative feeding: Look for groups swimming in a semicircle, beating their wings to herd fish into the shallows.
Keep your distance at nesting sites: Breeding colonies on isolated islands are highly sensitive to human disturbance and may abandon nests if approached.
Scan the thermals: On warm afternoons, look high in the sky to see flocks soaring effortlessly in giant, lazy circles.
