Australian pelican
The curious pelican is Australia’s largest flying bird and has the longest bill of any bird in the world. These Australian birds are found throughout Australian waterways and the pelican uses its throat pouch to trawl for fish. Pelicans breed all year round, congregating in large colonies on secluded beaches and islands.
Read more about Australian pelican
With a wingspan up to 3m, the pelican is Australia’s largest flying bird. Found in estuarine waterways, rivers and lakes throughout Australia, the antics of these Australian birds make for fascinating bird watching.
The pelican has an elongated bill that measures up to 47cm – the longest in the world. When fully extended, the pelican’s throat pouch holds up to 13 litres, and it uses it like a net to trawl for fish, crustaceans and turtles.
Pelicans are not capable of sustained flapping flight, but are excellent soarers and can remain in the air for 24 hours, covering hundreds of kilometres.
Pelicans breed at any time of year. In an elaborate courtship stand-off, the female pelican leads around several males until only 1 potential mate remains.
Animal facts
- Common name
- Pelican
- Scientific name
- Pelecanus conspicillatus
- Conservation status in NSW
- Protected
Parks in which this animal is found
- Booti Booti National Park
- Brisbane Water National Park
- Bundjalung National Park
- Eurobodalla National Park
- Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park
- Jervis Bay National Park
- Killalea Regional Park
- Langidoon-Metford State Conservation Area
- Moonee Beach Nature Reserve
- Murray Valley National Park
- Murray Valley Regional Park
- Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve
- Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park
- Pambula-Haycock area in Beowa National Park
- Royal National Park
- Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area
- Wyrrabalong National Park
- Yuraygir National Park