Pink-backed Pelican
A species of Pelicans Scientific name : Pelecanus rufescens Genus : Pelicans
Pink-backed Pelican, A species of Pelicans
Botanical name: Pelecanus rufescens
Genus: Pelicans
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Description People often ask General Info
Photo By Nevit Dilmen , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
It is a relatively small pelican, although by no means is it a small bird. Its length is from 125 to 155 cm (49 to 61 in), wingspan is 2.15–2.9 m (7.1–9.5 ft) and body mass is from 4 to 7 kg (8.8 to 15.4 lb). The bill is 30 to 38 cm (12 to 15 in) in length. The plumage is grey and white, with a pinkish hue on the back occasionally apparent (never in the deep pink of a flamingo). The top of the bill is yellow and the pouch is usually greyish. Breeding adults have long feather plumes on the head. It shares its habitat with the great white pelican, which is generally larger and has white instead of greyish plumage.
Size
1.3 m
Life Expectancy
10-30 years
Nest Placement
Ground
Feeding Habits
Pink-backed Pelican predominantly consumes fish and amphibians, using cooperative hunting and diving to capture prey. They possess specialized pouches allowing for efficient consumption, and favor feeding in shallow waters with unique group foraging techniques.
Habitat
Pink-backed Pelican thrives in a variety of wetland habitats, primarily favoring freshwater environments including lakes, swamps, rivers, and seasonal ponds. These birds are adaptable and sometimes inhabit coastal areas, particularly in bays, and are also found around alkaline lakes. They have a tolerance for humans and can live close to urban areas, nesting in trees along waterfronts, on sandy islands, or within mangroves. Their roosting preferences can extend to cliffs, coral reefs, and even man-made structures like piers or walls, particularly in regions where food sources are abundant.
Dite type
Piscivorous
People often ask
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Photo By Nevit Dilmen , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Pelicans and Relatives Family
Pelicans Genus
Pelicans Species
Pink-backed Pelican