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Great White Pelican

Pelecanus onocrotalus

Not Evaluated
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
30 years
Length
1.6 m
Weight
10.0 kg
Trend
→ Stable
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About

One of the world's largest pelicans, great white pelicans have wingspans reaching 3.6 meters and inhabit shallow lakes and wetlands across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Social birds breeding in large colonies and foraging cooperatively — groups of pelicans corral fish into shallow water before scooping them in their expandable throat pouches. Their pouches can hold up to 13 liters of water. Listed as Least Concern globally with stable populations.

Fun Facts

  • They fish cooperatively in groups.
  • Their pouch is used as a net, not a storage bag.

Diet & Behavior

🥩
Carnivore
Great White Pelican is classified as carnivore, adapted to its ecological niche.

Diet

🥩 Carnivore
Animal matter 100%

Names in Other Languages

Japanese モモイロペリカン
Chinese 白鵜鶘
Spanish Pelícano Común
French pélican blanc
German Rosapelikan
Portuguese Pelicano-vulgar
Russian Розовый пеликан

Similar Species in Pelecanus

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Great White Pelican?
The scientific name of Great White Pelican is Pelecanus onocrotalus. It belongs to the genus Pelecanus.
Where does Great White Pelican live?
Great White Pelican is found in Found across Europe (9 countries).. Countries include Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom.
What family does Great White Pelican belong to?
Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) belongs to the genus Pelecanus, which is part of the taxonomic family Pelecanidae.
What does Great White Pelican eat?
Great White Pelican is carnivore. Its diet is adapted to its natural habitat and ecological niche.
How long does Great White Pelican live?
Great White Pelican has an average lifespan of approximately 30 years in the wild.
What kingdom does Great White Pelican belong to?
Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) belongs to the kingdom Animalia (สัตว์).
What are the closest relatives of Great White Pelican?
The closest relatives of Great White Pelican in the genus Pelecanus include นกกระทุง, Brown Pelican, Dalmatian Pelican, Australian Pelican, American White Pelican.

Native Range — 9 Countries

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