Pelecanus conspicillatus

(Temminck, 1824)

Vernacular names
English : Australian pelican
French : Pélican à lunettes

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

Identification
Very large pelican growing to 188 cm in length for a weight of 6,8 kg and wingspan of 2,60 meters. Plumage mostly white except from black wings (with white area). Pink bill and pouch. Naked ring of pink-yellow skin around eyes.

Range and habitat
The species breeds only in Australia and Tasmania, in most of the country except central deserts. Vagrants in Indonesia, New Guinea, Solomon Islands. Lives in large lakes, reservoirs, rivers, estuaries and flooded areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species can adapt to artificial sites but changes in water levels can cause complete failure in breeding events. Legally protected in Australia.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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