Great White Pelican
Pelecanus onocrotalus
Great White Pelican, fish-eater found in African freshwater lakes and wetlands.
| Scientific name | Pelecanus onocrotalus |
|---|---|
| Swahili name | Mkorokoro Mweupe |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Ciconiiformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Size | Male: 10-11 kg, wingspan approximately 2.3-2.7 m; Female: 9-10 kg, wingspan slightly smaller |
How to identify
Very large body size, primarily white plumage; long bill with a large throat pouch, bill base pink; neck extended during flight; legs and feet pink; during breeding season, yellow or orange spots appear on the bill.
Habitat
Freshwater lakes, swamps, estuaries, and wetlands; commonly found near water bodies adjacent to open woodland savannas.
Diet
Primarily feeds on fish, occasionally preys on amphibians and small invertebrates.
When it is active
Diurnal, active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk for foraging.
Where it lives
Mainly distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Masai Mara; partially found in Eastern Europe and Western Asia.
How to spot it
Observe at dawn or dusk along wetland edges or water surfaces; use binoculars from a distance to minimize disturbance.
Photography tips
Use soft morning light to photograph flight or feeding scenes; telephoto lenses help capture bill details and throat pouch changes.
Threats
Habitat loss and degradation, pollution, illegal hunting, and disturbances from human activities.
Similar species
Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus), smaller in size, darker bill coloration, with partially overlapping distribution ranges.
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