Pelican

Presentation

The pelican is a large water bird easily recognized by its long bill fitted with an expandable throat pouch used to catch fish. Plumage is generally white or grayish depending on the species, with large wings adapted for soaring flight. It inhabits wetlands, lakes, and coastal areas where it finds abundant food. Gregarious by nature, it lives and travels often in large groups, especially during migration. Several species exist worldwide, including the white pelican occasionally found in North Africa. It is an emblematic bird of wetlands, sometimes observed in Tunisia during migration stopovers.

The pelican has a very long bill topped with a throat pouch capable of expanding to hold water and captured fish. Its body is massive yet light thanks to pneumatic bones, allowing efficient soaring flight over long distances. Its feet are webbed, suited for swimming. Plumage varies from white to grayish-brown depending on the species and age of the individual birds.

Characteristics

Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.

Habitat and distribution

Pelicans frequent wetlands, lakes, deltas, and coastal lagoons rich in fish. Some species are also found on marine shorelines and estuaries. They favour calm waters that provide both feeding areas and secure nesting sites.

Behaviour

The pelican is a gregarious bird, living in colonies sometimes quite large for breeding and fishing. Some species practice coordinated fishing in formation, herding fish toward shallow water. It alternates between energy-efficient soaring flight and rest periods on the shoreline. Social interactions are frequent, particularly during courtship displays.

Reproduction

Breeding takes place in colonies, often on islets or isolated areas sheltered from predators. The female typically lays one to three eggs, which both parents incubate for about a month. Young birds remain dependent for several weeks, fed by regurgitation. Fledging and independence occur after several months of development.

Peculiarities

The pelican's throat pouch, capable of holding a large volume of water, is a distinctive feature among aquatic birds. Its ability to soar over long distances by exploiting thermal currents is also noteworthy. Coordinated fishing in formation, observed in some species, is a remarkable social behaviour.

Threats and conservation

Main threats include degradation of wetlands, water pollution, and human disturbance of breeding sites. Reduction in fish resources due to overfishing can also affect local populations. Some species benefit from protection measures in their breeding areas.

References

Profile updated 21 August 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Least concern (LC)

IUCN source, latest published assessment.

Documented diseases for this species.

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