Australian Pelican

Pelecanus conspicillatus

DINNER

Captain Filnt's enormous bill-pouch can hold 13 litres of fish. He and his friends catch their prey by herding fish into shallow water.

Pelican in flight

HOW DO PELICANS FLY?

Weighing up to 7 kilograms Pelicans save energy by having an unusually light skeleton and wings designed for gliding. They take advantage of rising air currents (thermals) to soar as high as 3000 m. By moving from one thermal to the next, pelicans travel long distances with little effort.

GETTING AWAY FROM IT ALL?

Pelicans breed on remote shores and islands, in colonies as large as 40'000 birds.  Breeding may occur at any time of year when food and water is plentiful. The female chooses her partner from several potential mates by leading them on a courtship walk. Her followers try to scare off their rivals by swinging their open bills. One by one, the males drop out until the lucky last is led off to a suitable nest site.

Pelicans usually lay two eggs. The parents incubate the eggs on their feet for 32-35 days. The oldest chick is much larger than its nest mate and receives the most food. If food is scarce, it may kill its younger siblings to improve its chance of survival.  The young birds commonly get together in ‘daycare’ groups until they can fly at about 12 weeks of age. During this time the chicks return to their nests to be fed by their parents.