Pelecanus crispus

(Gmelin, 1789)

Vernacular names
English : Dalmatian pelican
French : Pélican frisé

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Pelecaniformes
Family : Pelecanidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Body length up to 180 cm for a weight of 13 kg, wingspan of 450 cm. Plumage mostly white with slight silvery-grey tinge. Black flight feathers. Small crest on nape, made of curled feathers. Bill with bright orange pouch when breeding.

Range and habitat
The species occurs patchily in eastern Europe and central Asia, in Greece, Turkey, south Russia, Kazakhstan and western China. Winters in south Asia. Lives in rivers, lakes, deltas and estuaries, in lowlands and highlands.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Appendix I
Status : The species was listed as vulnerable but thanks to conservation measures, including captive breeding and reintroduction, populations are increasing.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America, EEP in Europe

Observation
Jurong Bird Park (Singapore), Parc des Oiseaux (France)

 

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