Australian Pelican

Australian Pelican

Pelecanus conspicillatus

Least Concern

Aves · Pelecaniformes · Pelecanidae

About

The Australian pelican is a large waterbird in the family Pelecanidae, widespread on the inland and coastal waters of Australia and New Guinea, also in Fiji, parts of Indonesia and as a vagrant in New Zealand. It is a predominantly white bird with black wings and a pink bill. It has been recorded as having the longest bill of any living bird. It mainly eats fish, but will also consume birds and scavenge for scraps if the opportunity arises.

Fun Fact

It has been recorded as having the longest bill of any living bird.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Occur in New Zealand from a specimen shot at Jerusalem in 1890 and small numbers of subfossil bones, the first found at Lake Grassmere in 1947, followed by records of other stray individuals.

Diet

Piscivore (fish-eater)

Lifespan

To be updated

Threats

  • Habitat Change
  • Human Disturbance