Dalmatian Pelican
Pelecanus crispus
The Dalmatian Pelican is a rare visitor to Britain, typically seen during migration periods or as a vagrant, with most sightings occurring in the eastern and southern regions. It is notable for its massive size and distinctive flight pattern, often drawing attention from birdwatchers.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Dalmatian Pelican in the field.
The Dalmatian Pelican can be identified by its large bill with a distinctive pouch, its grey and white plumage, and its broad, rounded wings. Its size and wingspan are also key identifying features, making it one of the largest flying birds in the world.
The Dalmatian Pelican is significantly larger than a Swan, with a wingspan that can reach up to 3.2 metres, making it an imposing sight in the sky.
The male Dalmatian Pelican has a grey and white plumage, with a distinctive curly nape of feathers on the back of its head, and a pale yellow patch on its face. Its plumage remains relatively consistent throughout the year, with some variation in the intensity of the grey and white colours.
Similar to the male, the female Dalmatian Pelican has a grey and white plumage, with a less pronounced curly nape of feathers on the back of its head.
The Dalmatian Pelican has a low, grunting call, often described as a deep, guttural "cronk" or "groan", which can be heard during breeding and social interactions.
Dalmatian Pelicans are skilled fishers, using their large bills to scoop up fish from the water's surface, and are often seen flying in synchronised flocks, with a slow and deliberate wingbeat. They are also known to be graceful and agile in flight, despite their large size.
The Dalmatian Pelican can be confused with the Great White Pelican, but can be distinguished by its greyer plumage, curly nape of feathers, and broader, more rounded wings.
Quick Facts
Who's spotted this?
Loading...
Recent community sightings
Loading recent sightings...
