Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)

A flock of Australian Pelicans at the Terilbah Reserve, The Entrance North, Central Coast in New South Wa A les.

The Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus) is a protected species in New South Wales. Pelicans can be found across Australia close to water. It is the largest flying bird in Australia with a wingspan between 2.3 to 2.5 m, they can weigh between 4 to 6.8 kg. They have the longest bill of any bird worldwide, with males having bills between 42 to 46 cm in length.

The pelican’s preferred habit is the marine intertidal zone such as that at the Terilbah Reserve which has sandy shorelines, sandbars, and spits. They will however live close to any water which will support an abundance of fish including, lakes, swamps, and rivers of the interior.

The gular pouch of an adult male bird can contain approximately three gallons pf water. Other notable features are a large nail on the tip of the upper part of the bill and short legs with large, webbed feet.

Adults are mainly white with all black primary wing feathers. They have dark brown eyes, a light pink bill and gular pouch, and grey to blue-grey legs, feet, and webbing.

Juvenile birds are mainly brown in colour aloought their heads can vary from white to brown.

Male and female birds have identical plumage and can only be differentiated by the larger size of the males.