The Withe Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus)

Introduction
A large seabird, the species belongs to the family Pelecanidae. This family includes 8 different species, including the American pelican, brown, gray, curly, spectacled, spotted beak. These birds are among the largest birds capable of flight.
A large seabird, the species belongs to the family Pelecanidae. This family includes 8 different species, including the American pelican, brown, gray, curly, spectacled, spotted beak. These birds are among the largest birds capable of flight.
Appearance
The bird has white plumage apart from some black wing feathers. Its legs are pink with long, powerful toes. We distinguish between the fingers a thin membrane acting as a palm, indeed, it is thanks to this membrane that the bird moves with ease on the water. But what characterizes this animal is this remarkable pocket of yellowish skin under the beak. This precious pocket can hold approximately thirteen liters, the bird can store up to 4 kg of fish. The female looks a lot like the male, only visible difference is the presence of a crest behind the male's head.
Measurement
Height: 160 cm
Wingspan: 105 to 305 cm
Weight: between 195 and 235 g
Longevity: 15 to 25 years
Nesting and reproduction
Nesting period: seasonal temperate regions, annual tropical countries
Number of broods: 1
Number of eggs: 1 to 6 eggs of 120 to 180 g, light blue or yellowish white
Hatching duration: 30 to 35 days
1st flight: 65-70 days
Behavior
White pelicans adopt a rare behavior among birds, it is mainly during hunting periods that we can observe this phenomenon, they gather in small groups to form a semi-circle at the surface of the water, the birds advance simultaneously to push the fish in front of them towards the shallow waters of the bank. They thus spread their wings and simultaneously plunge their large beaks into the water in order to capture the small fish thus trapped. Another singular attitude of these majestic birds consists in forming two parallel rows in order to trap the fish present in the river, the two lines swim towards each other inevitably gathering the prey in a compact school, all that remains is to fill their gaps. appetites.
Reproduction
The nest of pelicans is built mainly on a pile of reeds or sandbanks near stretches of water. It is the female who chooses the ideal location for her future offspring. The nest resembles a roughly erected bowl, lined with very little material. In the event that the female decides to nest in a tree, the arboreal nest will be much more elaborate, it consists of a thick base of twigs, sometimes filled with straw or aquatic grass.
The white pelican nests in a colony, both sexes participate mutually in brooding, which lasts on average 1 month. The female usually lays two eggs, however it happens that the hatched can reach 6 yellowish-white eggs. At birth, juveniles are devoid of down, which will appear after a week. It is only three weeks later that feathers and tail will appear.
Now depending on the type of nesting chosen, the young leave the nest to join a large common nursery that can bring together a hundred young pelicans. This nursery is essential, it ensures the safety of young specimens, however the parents will continue to take care of feeding their offspring. After 80 days, young people will finally be independent and autonomous.
The bird has white plumage apart from some black wing feathers. Its legs are pink with long, powerful toes. We distinguish between the fingers a thin membrane acting as a palm, indeed, it is thanks to this membrane that the bird moves with ease on the water. But what characterizes this animal is this remarkable pocket of yellowish skin under the beak. This precious pocket can hold approximately thirteen liters, the bird can store up to 4 kg of fish. The female looks a lot like the male, only visible difference is the presence of a crest behind the male's head.
Measurement
Height: 160 cm
Wingspan: 105 to 305 cm
Weight: between 195 and 235 g
Longevity: 15 to 25 years
Nesting and reproduction
Nesting period: seasonal temperate regions, annual tropical countries
Number of broods: 1
Number of eggs: 1 to 6 eggs of 120 to 180 g, light blue or yellowish white
Hatching duration: 30 to 35 days
1st flight: 65-70 days
Behavior
White pelicans adopt a rare behavior among birds, it is mainly during hunting periods that we can observe this phenomenon, they gather in small groups to form a semi-circle at the surface of the water, the birds advance simultaneously to push the fish in front of them towards the shallow waters of the bank. They thus spread their wings and simultaneously plunge their large beaks into the water in order to capture the small fish thus trapped. Another singular attitude of these majestic birds consists in forming two parallel rows in order to trap the fish present in the river, the two lines swim towards each other inevitably gathering the prey in a compact school, all that remains is to fill their gaps. appetites.
Reproduction
The nest of pelicans is built mainly on a pile of reeds or sandbanks near stretches of water. It is the female who chooses the ideal location for her future offspring. The nest resembles a roughly erected bowl, lined with very little material. In the event that the female decides to nest in a tree, the arboreal nest will be much more elaborate, it consists of a thick base of twigs, sometimes filled with straw or aquatic grass.
The white pelican nests in a colony, both sexes participate mutually in brooding, which lasts on average 1 month. The female usually lays two eggs, however it happens that the hatched can reach 6 yellowish-white eggs. At birth, juveniles are devoid of down, which will appear after a week. It is only three weeks later that feathers and tail will appear.
Now depending on the type of nesting chosen, the young leave the nest to join a large common nursery that can bring together a hundred young pelicans. This nursery is essential, it ensures the safety of young specimens, however the parents will continue to take care of feeding their offspring. After 80 days, young people will finally be independent and autonomous.