Want to know where and when to find Great White Pelican? opspoor shows recent sightings across South Africa's parks and when each species is usually active.
Where to see Great White Pelican in South Africa
About the Great White Pelican
The great white pelican is a very large waterbird found across parts of Africa and Eurasia, with African populations associated mainly with large freshwater lakes, wetlands and coastal waters. Adults have predominantly white plumage, black flight feathers, a long pinkish bill and an enormous expandable throat pouch. It feeds mainly on fish, which it catches using its bill and throat pouch, and may forage cooperatively in groups. It is highly gregarious and can gather in large numbers on suitable waters.
How to identify the Great White Pelican
Very large white pelican with black flight feathers, a long pinkish bill with a large throat pouch, long legs and a massive wingspan. Adults have a distinctive pinkish or yellowish facial area during breeding.
Did you know?
The enormous throat pouch is not used to store fish for long periods; it primarily acts as a fishing net, with water expelled before the bird swallows its catch.
Also known as: Pelican, White Pelican, Witpelikaan
Planning a safari? Pick a park above to see when and where to look for Great White Pelican, and log your own sightings in opspoor, even with no signal.