DALMATIAN PELICAN
Pelecanus crispus
The Dalmatian pelican is not only the largest species of pelican but is one of the biggest flying birds in the world. With a wingspan of around three metres, these pelicans are high flyers and have been observed to reach altitudes of more than 3,000 metres. Along with a large pair of wings, Dalmatian pelicans have a big appetite. An adult pelican can devour around 1.8 kilograms of fish in a single day. Dalmatian pelicans gather fish by using their enormous bill pouches to dive into the water and scoop prey from near the surface. Once fish are trapped inside their bills, the pelicans will lean their heads forward to strain out the water and devour their meal.