Dalmatian Pelicans
Meet the world’s largest pelican species. We are home to females ‘Volga’, ‘Adria’, ‘Kerkini’, and ‘Tisza’.
Catching fish is no problem with a mouth like this
Like all members of the pelican family, Dalmatian pelicans have enormous bills, which allow them to scoop up fish and swallow them whole. Known for their silvery white feathers, Dalmatian pelicans rival albatrosses with their enormous wingspan and are believed to be one of the largest flying bird species. Sexual dimorphism in this species is minimal, but females are larger than males.
- IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (likely to become vulnerable in the near future)
- Type: Bird
- Habitat: Lakes, rivers, deltas, and estuaries in central Eurasia
- Diet: Carnivore – fish, amphibians, and crustaceans
- Size: 160 to 183 centimetres long, with a 290 to 345 centimetre wingspan
- Weight: 7.3 to 15 kilograms
Facts about our animals
Fun Facts about Dalmatian Pelicans
Dalmatian pelicans can eat 1.2 kilograms of fish each day.
The name of this species refers to the Dalmatian region of historic Croatia, where this species is believed to have originated.
They sleep with their heads twisted back into their feathers.
This species is monogamous during the breeding season.
While social, sometimes Dalmatian pelicans prefer to forage alone.
Dalmatian pelicans can hold up to 11 litres of water in their pouches.
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