Rockinghamgateway.com

Rockingham Gateway Your complete guide to Rockingham W.A

Australian Pelican ( Pelecanus conspicillatus )

There are seven species of pelicans in the world, all of which are similar in shape and, with one exception, are primarily white in colour. Males are larger than females. The most characteristic feature of pelicans is the elongated bill with its massive throat pouch. The bill is 40-50cm long and is larger in males than females.

Pelicans weigh 4.0-6.8kg, are 1.6-1.8m long. Pelicans have large wings and a short wingspan of 2.3-2.5 m. They have an extremely light skeleton, weighing less than 10% of their total body weight.

The Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus is found throughout Australia, Papua New Guinea and Western Indonesia, with occasional reports in New Zealand and various Western Pacific Islands.

Pelicans mainly eat fish, but they are opportunistic feeders and eat a variety of aquatic animals including crustaceans and turtles. They readily accept a free feed from humans, and a number of unusual items have been recorded in their diet. During periods of starvation, pelicans have been reported capturing and eating seagulls and ducklings.

Article written by Sabastina U.S.A

Add your site