FAMILY NAME: Pelecanidae< SCIENTIFIC NAME: Pelecanus conspicillatus SUBSPECIES: none
SIZE: 160 to 180cm. (5' to 6') tip to tail with a wing span of about 2.5m or 8.5'.
LOCATION: Found over almost the entire continent of Australia wherever there is water, except in the very arid central west.
BREEDING: Breeding season is year round depending on conditions, laying from 1 to 4 eggs in ground depressions lined with sticks and feathers. Both the male and female incubate their young, and incubation is done on their feet.
GENERAL: A common bird and very widespread across Australia. Found sometimes in very large flocks, and at times will cooperate to herd fish into concentrated areas. They are nomadic, following the water and food, and will fly long distances using thermals and gliding to achieve this. They have black primaries, rump and tail feathers with the remainder being white. The bill and pouch are pink with males being slightly longer.
References:
Michael Morecombe.
Field Guide to Australian Birds, Complete Compact Edtion.Ken Simpson - Nicholas Day.
The Birds of Australia.M. Blakers - S. J. J. F. Davies - P. N. Reilly.
The Atlas of Australian Birds.Birds in Backyards.
www.birdsinbackyards.net
