HOME | DD

Description
Species Name: Australian Pelican
Latin Name: Pelecanus conspicillatus
Native To: Australia, New Guinea, Fiji, Parts of Indonesia, New Zealand
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Taken At: Healesville sanctuary

Although this species of pelican is considered a medium sized pelican this bird is among the heaviest of the Australian birds that can fly. These birds will typically breed in the spring in southern Australia, any time there is significant rain inland Australia and during the winter time in the more humid and tropical areas that they reside in. It has been noted in some occasions these birds can become quite accustomed to humans and at times will beg for handouts. These birds will typically feed on fish by working together in groups to drive fish to shallower waters where they will feed. These birds will also feed on insects as well as many aquatic crustaceans especially the common yabby and shrimps. These pelicans aren't fussy eaters as they will on occassion eat small reptiles and amphibians when these are available to them. Furthermore, this breed of pelican is also known to eat other birds such as silver gulls, Australian white ibis, grey treal. Pelicans have been known to eat the eggs, nestlings, fledglings as well as adults of these species. This species have even been reported to go as far as cannibalism of younger pelicans.

Description
Species Name: Australian Pelican
Latin Name: Pelecanus conspicillatus
Native To: Australia, New Guinea, Fiji, Parts of Indonesia, New Zealand
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Taken At: Healesville sanctuary

Although this species of pelican is considered a medium sized pelican this bird is among the heaviest of the Australian birds that can fly. These birds will typically breed in the spring in southern Australia, any time there is significant rain inland Australia and during the winter time in the more humid and tropical areas that they reside in. It has been noted in some occasions these birds can become quite accustomed to humans and at times will beg for handouts. These birds will typically feed on fish by working together in groups to drive fish to shallower waters where they will feed. These birds will also feed on insects as well as many aquatic crustaceans especially the common yabby and shrimps. These pelicans aren't fussy eaters as they will on occassion eat small reptiles and amphibians when these are available to them. Furthermore, this breed of pelican is also known to eat other birds such as silver gulls, Australian white ibis, grey treal. Pelicans have been known to eat the eggs, nestlings, fledglings as well as adults of these species. This species have even been reported to go as far as cannibalism of younger pelicans.