This large bird has a wingspan up to 2.4m, giving it a heavy flight and landing. It also has the largest bill of any bird in the world. They live around large water bodies of any type as long as their food source, fish, can be caught close by.

Pelicans don’t have regular migration patterns, but do follow the rains. They nest on the ground, sometimes adding some grass lining. There they lay two or three chalky, dirty-white eggs, but usually only rear one chick. At first this will be fed a regurgitated liquid, then fish until fledging.

Size: 1.6 – 1.8m

Photo and Illustration: Mark Trinham.