Identification
The young Dalmatian pelicans are greyish and acquire their white plumage after at least 2 years. Shortly before the breeding season, the fleshy lower beak of mature individuals becomes bright red. The beak is equipped with a very useful hook at its tip that facilitates the holding of captured fish.
Distribution - Habitat
The Dalmatian pelican occurs from SE Europe to the coast of China, but with a distribution limited to only some suitable wetlands. Species with such a fragmented distribution are always more susceptible to threats. Balkan birds are thought to move no more than 1000 km to wintering areas, so pelicans born in Greece probably winter in Turkey and the Middle East.
In Lesvos we will see it mainly as a transient from June to December (in recent years very few individuals and throughout the winter). Last autumn up to 60 individuals were recorded moving between Kallonis Salt pans, the Gulf and the wetland of Messos.
Interesting Information
- It is one of the largest wingspans in the world and its name comes from the ancient Greek word "pelekis" (axe).
- It often feeds in groups, also in association with other fish-eating birds such as the Cormorant (Phalacrocorax cabro).
- The two largest breeding colonies of the species in the world are in Greece.
