A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Pelecanus crispus
This huge bird is by a slight margin the largest of the pelican species and one of the largest living bird species. It measures 160 to 183 cm (5 ft 3 in to 6 ft 0 in) in length, 7.25–15 kg (16.0–33.1 lb) in weight and 290–345 cm (9 ft 6 in–11 ft 4 in) in wingspan. Its median weight is around 11.5 kg (25 lb), which makes it perhaps the world's heaviest flying bird species, although the largest individuals among male bustards and swans may be heavier than the largest individual Dalmatian pelican. (Wikipedia)
Spotted in Kalochori lagoon and estuaries of Gallikos river. The case of the lagoon Kalochori is unique in Greece, as it is a "new" wetland created gradually from the mid-'50s, as a result of ground subsidence caused by overexploitation of water from underground aquifers in conjunction with the loose of the soil (Anastasiadis et al 2004). Today the lagoon covers an area of 2,260 acres. The depth of the lagoon is 0.5 to 1 meter below the sea. Despite the general deterioration of the lagoon, due to drought, rubbish and waste, is one of the most important areas within the protected area because of the large number waders and water birds gathering here all year long.
Greek common name: Αργυροπελεκάνος
No Comments