Dalmatian Pelican

The Dalmatian Pelican is an exceptionally large waterbird, measuring about 160–180 centimetres and spanning roughly three metres across the wings. At close range its upperparts look silvery white, while a fringe of curly feathers covers the hindcrown and hindneck. Its underparts are dusky grey-white, the eyes are pale yellow, and a large yellowish throat patch hangs below the hooked bill. Dark primary tips and secondaries contrast with the otherwise dirty-white underwing in flight. (Birds of Europe account)

This pelican is social, travelling, fishing and nesting in groups. Flocks cooperate in shallow water by surrounding fish, driving them shoreward and scooping them into their expandable throat pouches before draining the water. Migrants return in spring, when males bring nest material and both parents share incubation. Newly hatched chicks receive regurgitated fish; older young take food from a parent’s pouch and later gather in nurseries. The source describes wintering movements toward India or Egypt. (MNHN Dalmatian Pelican account)