Pelecanus rufescens

(Gmelin, 1789)

Vernacular names
English : Pink-backed pelican
French : Pélican gris

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

Identification
Grey-white plumage with distinct dark crest and nape, pink tinge under wings. Orange legs, bill pink with bright orange pouch with dense transversal lines. Black skin around eye.

Range and habitat
Subsaharan Africa, from Senegal to Sudan and south to northern South Africa, also in west Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Found in freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds with big trees for nesting.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is widespread and common and can adapt to living alongside men. However its habitat is heavily polluted, degraded and nesting trees are cut down leading to local declines.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America, EEP in Europe

Observation

 

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