Australian Pelican

The Australian Pelican is the largest flying bird native to Australia and one of the most recognizable waterbirds on the continent, distinguished by its bold black-and-white plumage and enormous pale pink bill.

Appearance

Adults have predominantly white plumage with contrasting black flight feathers and black markings on the back and tail. The bill and pouch are pale pink, among the largest bills of any bird, and the legs are grayish. Breeding adults may show slightly brighter bill and pouch coloration.

Key field marks

• Bold black-and-white plumage pattern, distinct from the mostly white Great White Pelican or grayer Dalmatian Pelican
• Enormous pale pink bill and pouch
• Large size and long, broad wings suited to soaring
• Found in Australia and nearby regions, unlike other pelican species

Similar species

Within its Australian range, no other bird resembles the Australian Pelican, making it essentially unmistakable. Its combination of pink bill and black-and-white body distinguishes it from all other pelican species found elsewhere in the world.

Habitat and range

Australian Pelicans are found across a wide variety of wetland habitats throughout Australia, including inland lakes, rivers, swamps, and estuaries, as well as coastal bays and harbors. The species also occurs in New Guinea, Indonesia, and has occasionally reached New Zealand and other Pacific islands.

Migration

Rather than following fixed migratory routes, Australian Pelicans are highly nomadic, moving opportunistically in response to rainfall and flooding, sometimes traveling long distances to breed at temporary inland lakes that fill after heavy rain, such as Lake Eyre.

Behavior

Australian Pelicans forage individually or in cooperative groups, scooping fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic prey from the water surface with their large expandable pouch, sometimes working together to herd fish into shallow water.

Voice

Adults are largely silent, though low grunts may be given near the nest, and colonies can be noisy with the calls of chicks.

Nesting and breeding

They nest colonially on the ground on islands or isolated shorelines, often forming huge colonies at remote inland lakes when conditions are favorable after flooding. Typically one to three eggs are laid, and breeding can occur opportunistically whenever suitable conditions arise rather than at a fixed time of year.