Great White Pelican

Description:

In flight, it is an elegant soaring bird, with the head held close to and aligned with the body by a downward bend in the neck. It has a pure white plumage, a bare pink facial patch around the eye and pinkish legs. Males are larger than females, and have a long beak that grows in a downwards arc, as opposed to the shorter, straighter beak of the female. In breeding condition the male has pinkish skin on its face and the female has orangey skin.

Habitat:

Seen at the Thol Bird Sanctuary.

Notes:

The Great White Pelican is well adapted for aquatic life. The short strong legs and webbed feet propel it in water and aid the rather awkward takeoff from the water surface. Once aloft, the long-winged pelicans are powerful fliers, however, and often travel in spectacular V-formation groups. The pelican's pouch serves simply as a scoop. As the pelican pushes its bill underwater, the lower bill bows out, creating a large pouch which fills with water and fish. As the bird lifts its head, the pouch contracts, forcing out the water but retaining the fish.