The Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus) is a huge - and often conspicuous- bird of Australian wetlands.
However, its scientific name does not actually mean a conspicuous pelican! It actually means a 'spectacled pelican' - with the reference to spectacles coming from the rings of bare skin around the eyes.
With a weight of around 4 to 7 kg and a beak of over 50 cm this is a big bird. They often gather in groups, and sometimes cooperate in fishing.
While I was photographing these birds I was struck by just how difficult it must be to preen with such a huge beak. As you can see, a degree of gymnastic flexibility is needed to clean your feathers if you are a pelican!
I have to say that they are wonderful birds to watch.
As ever, to join in with WBW just click the link below. SM
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteI love and miss them... YAM xx
Thanks for the introduction. Interesting birds. Aloha to you friend
ReplyDeleteWe see these birds at the Esplanade in Cairns. Great shots of them. Thanks for hosting and commenting. Have a good week ahead
ReplyDeleteIt is as if they are conversing! Great photos!
ReplyDeletecute pair...
ReplyDeleteexcellent photos!
I saw them when I visited Cairns and was amazed at their size.
ReplyDeleteWonderful to watch indeed! Beautifully captured.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of beautiful birds! I love pelicans – but I wouldn't want to be one, because you're right, their beaks certainly make things quite difficult... ;-)
ReplyDeleteAll the best from Austria, Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2025/04/weltreise-2024-reisegarderobe- resume.html
Hello Stewart :)
ReplyDeleteWhat spectacular birds, and fantastic photos.
All the best
Sonjia.
Looks so beautiful
ReplyDeleteWould love to see those pelicans with those pink beaks! As you know, Stewart, all birds are fabulous to watch. Migration is underway here in the States and you never know what's going to be passing through the neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteThat's a really impressive bird. Gorgeous. Thanks for the great photos.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pelicans! Thanks for sharing and for hosting.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos well done. I have watched Pelicans in South Africa and in America , they are fascinating birds. Watching the dive from a dizzy height into the water was amazing. Hope all is well. Have a good Easter, Diane
ReplyDeleteCute birds, great photos...loved the series...Missy
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