Dalmatian Pelican Stock Photography

The Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus) is a massive member of the pelican family. It breeds from southeastern Europe to India and China in swamps and shallow lakes. The nest is a crude heap of vegetation. This huge bird is the largest of the pelicans and one of the largest living bird species. It measures 160 to 183 cm (5 ft 3 in to 6 ft 0 in) in length, 9–15 kg (20–33 lb) in weight and 290–351 cm (9 ft 6 in–11 ft 6 in) in wingspan. Its mean weight of around 11.5 kg (25 lb) makes it the world's heaviest flying bird species, although the largest individuals among male bustards and swans may be heavier than the largest individual Dalmatian pelican. It also appears to have one of the largest wingspans of any living bird, rivalling those of the great albatrosses. The Dalmatian pelican is found in lakes, rivers, deltas and estuaries.