Great White Pelican

Pelecanus onocrotalus

Armenian Name: Վարդագույն հավալուսն
Species Status: Threatened Species - Species of Special Concern
Great White Pelican

See Plate 2 for Great White Pelican and other similar species

Resident Status: Year-round visitor
Abundance: Uncommon
Length:140-175 cm, Wing Span:270-360 cm
Distribution Map: Map 10.
Description: Huge bill and prominent yellow throat pouch, black flight feathers.
Adult (Breeding): Short ragged crest, bright orange to pink facial skin, yellowish patch at base of neck, and orange legs.
Adult (Non-breeding): Bill, facial skin, and legs are duller.
Juvenile: Dull gray-brown above, off-white below. Pinkish legs.
Similar Species: Differs from Dalmatian Pelican by black flight feathers extending the length of underwing, dark eye, pink to orange legs, and lack of curly nape feathers.
Behavior: Gregarious. Flocks soar and circle, often for long periods. Feeds in cooperative groups herding fish to shallow water.
Habitat: Fish ponds, lakes, rivers.
Food: Fish.