The Dalmatian pelican is one of the largest species of swans in the world. It is called the Balkan pelican, the Dalmatian pelican, or the crested pelican.
The Dalmatian pelican is a charming creature with a unique appearance, which has made it the focus of attention of many scientists and researchers who have studied its behavior and understood how it lives. Because it forms an integral part of nature’s biological diversity.
If you are interested in studying the types of waterbirds, follow this article from teketrek with us and take a few minutes to read it and benefit from the information contained in it.
The most important facts about Dalmatian pelicans
Dalmatian pelicans belong to the phylum Omniformes, the phylum of vertebrates, of the class of birds.
Dalmatian pelicans live in flocks and fly with great agility.
These birds migrate on a short to medium migration, as experts have monitored their path that starts from the Mediterranean Sea in the west to the Taiwan Strait in the east, and from the Arabian Gulf in the south to Siberia in the north. This migration is considered necessary, aiming to protect itself from the cold and carry out the reproductive process.
The characteristics of Dalmatian swans
The Dalmatian pelican is distinguished by its large and distinctive size, in addition to the following specifications:
Dalmatian pelicans have a body covered with silvery-white feathers, but they become gray at the feet.
Dalmatian pelicans are distinguished by the fact that the feathers on their back and neck are curly.
The wings of Dalmatian pelicans are gray and solid in flight.
Adult Dalmatian pelicans have fluffy plumage in winter.
The length of the Dalmatian pelican ranges between 160-180 cm, and its weight ranges between 11-15 kg.
The Dalmatian pelican wingspan is 3 m.
Dalmatian pelicans have a distinctive lower jaw that becomes red when breeding.
This species does not have a line of pink feathers on the face like some other species of swans.
The Dalmatian male is bigger than the female.
These are some of the specifications that characterize the Dalmatian pelican, through which we can distinguish it from other types of swans.
Reproduction stages of Dalmatian pelicans
The Dalmatian pelican migrates to the breeding and spawning areas, where the male begins his activity by issuing some harsh and powerful sounds and performing some dances and movements, which aim to attract the attention of the female.
Both the male and female Dalmatian swans build a nest in a large thicket using some dry branches.
Dalmatian Pelican height is about 1 meter deep and about 63 cm wide. After that, the female lays 2-5 eggs, the weight of the egg ranges between 120-195 grams. Then the stage of caring for the eggs begins, which is divided between the parents and lasts about 30-34 days.
The eggs then hatch and the chicks are born completely bare of feathers, but they soon grow white feathers. The parents continue to care for the chicks until the chick matures 85 days after hatching and becomes clearly independent at 100-105 days old.
The success of the breeding process depends on the environmental conditions in its environment, as the success rate of the breeding process reached between 58%-100%, and this is due to predators that are able to reach the nests when the water level is low, such as wolves, wild dogs, and foxes, in addition to some birds such as gulls.
Dalmatian Pelican habitat
The Dalmatian pelican lives in rivers, lakes, bodies of water and wetlands. Although it is large and arguably the largest of the world’s widespread water birds, it is a soaring and gliding bird. This species inhabits marshes, wetlands and shallow lakes from southeastern Europe to India and China.
Dalmatian pelican diet
The Dalmatian pelican’s diet consists only of fish such as common carp, catfish and mullet. This bird needs about 1,200 grams of fish per day, and it can also eat some small available fish such as gobies.
The Dalmatian pelican feeds by hunting in groups of two or three. The fishing process consists of swimming quietly and slowly with the head immersed in the water, then sweeping the fish along very quickly with large amounts of water. The water is emptied through the sides of the bag and the fish is then swallowed. It can also be kept in the bag for use at later times
How to protect Dalmatian pelicans
The numbers of Dalmatian pelicans witnessed a significant decline during the twentieth century, due to overhunting and human intrusion into their original habitat. In some areas, birds suffer from electrical tension wires that can electrocute the birds and lead to their death.
Also, the escape of the parents from the nest while being threatened may pose a great danger to the young, thus causing them to remain alone.
Which makes it easier for predators to identify and thus eliminate them.
Overfishing for the purpose of eating and trading is also one of the most important factors that led to a decrease in its numbers in the areas where it is raised and lived.
Therefore, agreements were concluded between countries aimed at protecting this bird, by placing hatching platforms and signs on electrical power lines or dismantling them, especially in places where these birds spread.
Rafts have also been created to help these birds, and the most important event is when humans help these birds and feed them in the winter to keep them warm.
This is what is actually happening with local authorities in places where Dalmatian pelicans gather.
Migration of the Dalmatian pelican
The Dalmatian pelican prefers relatively warm climates, as it usually migrates relatively short distances during the year, arriving in March and departing at the end of August to the Danube Delta in the Mediterranean region.
While the birds that breed in Russia also migrate to the Middle East, passing through Iran via the Indian subcontinent.
FAQs about the Dalmatian pelicans
What is the difference between giant Dalmatian pelicans and ordinary pelicans?
The huge Dalmatian pelican is distinguished by its large size, long neck, and huge red beak. While common pelicans are smaller in size and do not have the same bright colors.
What do huge Dalmatian pelicans eat?
The huge Dalmatian pelican feeds on fish and small animals that live in the water, and it can also eat aquatic plants.
Where do the huge Dalmatian pelicans live?
Giant Dalmatian pelicans live in aquatic areas such as ponds, lakes and rivers in Australia.
Is the Dalmatian pelican on the verge of extinction?
As their numbers decline due to habitat loss and pollution, the great Dalmatian pelican is considered endangered in some areas.
Can Dalmatian Pelicans fly?
Yes, Dalmatian Pelicans can fly.
Why is it called the Dalmatian pelican?
Referring to his location in Dalmatia.
In conclusion, the Dalmatian pelican is a type of pelican. It is worth noting that there are many countries that have signed agreements and developed plans to limit the decline in the numbers of this bird due to its importance in maintaining the ecological balance.
