thumb|roost on [[Lake Kerkini, Greece]]

The Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus), also known as the curly-headed pelican, is the largest member of the pelican family and among the heaviest flying birds in the world. With a wingspan typically ranging between , it ranks among the largest soaring birds. These pelicans are known for their graceful flight and often travel in synchronised flocks. With a range spanning across much of Central Eurasia, from the eastern Mediterranean in the west to the Taiwan Strait in the east, and from the Persian Gulf in the south to Siberia in the north, it is a short-to-medium-distance migrant between breeding and overwintering areas.—the term crispus was likely a well-chosen epithet. Alternative Latin descriptors such as crinitus or capillatus would have implied long or hair-like plumage, which does not accurately describe the species. Thus, Bruch's use of crispus reflects a balance between the aesthetic naturalist tradition of the early 19th century and the limitations of classical descriptive language available to taxonomists at the time. The term is also scientifically reasonable, given other species named crispus—such as Chondrus crispus—that do not exhibit spiral curls but rather irregular or ruffled surfaces. Among avian species, truly curled feather morphologies occur in birds like the curl-crested aracari (Pteroglossus beauharnaesii) and the crested guineafowl (Guttera pucherani), in which the feather barbs themselves form spirals or crimped structures. Compared to those, the Dalmatian pelican's crest is better understood as irregular or tousled; however, crispus remains an appropriate descriptor when understood within the linguistic conventions and taxonomic practices of Bruch's time. and referring to it in German as "Krausköpfiger Pelekan". Remarkably, this artwork was produced by Edward Lear, However, this view appeared in only a few publications and has not been widely accepted by the scientific community.

Several lines of evidence support the recognition of P. crispus and P. philippensis as distinct species. First, their breeding ranges do not overlap: P. crispus is found across southeastern Europe and Central Asia, while P. philippensis is restricted to South and Southeast Asia. Furthermore, the two species exhibit differences in sexually selected traits: P. crispus develops a bright red gular pouch during the breeding season, whereas P. philippensis retains a pale pouch year-round and displays distinctive dark spots on the bill, which are absent in P. crispus and likely function in mate signalling. Finally, a 2013 molecular phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA confirmed that P. crispus and P. philippensis represent distinct evolutionary lineages. Nonetheless, the subspecies is not formally accepted by international taxonomic authorities.

Description

left|thumb|Comparison of the median wingspans of pelican species overlapping with the Dalmatian pelican's distribution. The diagram illustrates the size difference between the Dalmatian pelican and other [[Sympatry|sympatric pelicans, highlighting its status as the largest pelican species. Median wingspans are based on field measurements and modern standard guides.]]

The Dalmatian pelican is the largest of all pelican species Later sources, such as Seabirds: An Identification Guide (1983), Birds of Europe (2008) and Birds of the World (2020), report larger wingspan figures of 310 to 345 cm, although these publications do not specify their measurement methods, and it is likely that such figures reflect stretched specimens or non-standardized protocols. More recently, the Collins Bird Guide (2023), and other bird guides, which rely on measurements from museum skins and photographic evidence without artificially stretching the wings, reported a typical wingspan range of 270 to 320 cm. While wingspans up to 345 cm cannot be entirely ruled out, the most reliable data based on standard museum measurements and field observations suggest that the true wingspan of wild Dalmatian pelicans generally falls between 254 and 320 cm. Caution is therefore advised when interpreting the larger historical estimates., and an average weight of about .

The species is most easily recognised by its enormous bill, which typically measures between long and includes a large pouch used for catching fish. During the breeding season, this pouch becomes a vivid orange-red, contrasting with the more subdued yellow or grey tones observed during the rest of the year. The upper mandible remains greyish throughout, often with a slight orange tip. A distinguishing feature is the presence of a shaggy crest of curly feathers on the nape and back of the head, giving the bird a notably unkempt appearance compared to the smooth-headed great white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus). The legs are dark grey, another feature that helps separate it from related species with pinkish legs. and the geographic position of the subfossil pelican records (blue).|left]]Currently, the Dalmatian pelican is widely distributed across southeastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent, inhabiting large, open wetlands such as lakes, rivers, deltas, estuaries, and floodplains. Unlike the great white pelican, which remains mostly in lowlands, the Dalmatian pelican nests at various elevations and is more philopatric, typically returning to the same traditional breeding sites unless they become unsuitable due to disturbance or degradation. Although the species suffered dramatic declines during the 20th century, several strongholds remain. The largest known breeding colony is found at Small Prespa Lake, which is shared between Greece and Albania and supports around 1,600 pairs. Another significant population persists in the Danube Delta, with approximately 450 pairs recorded there. Other active breeding sites are scattered across southeastern Europe, including regions in Ukraine, North Macedonia, Romania, Bulgaria—particularly the Srebarna Nature Reserve—and Albania, where Karavasta Lagoon serves as a key nesting site.

By contrast, populations in Asia undertake more substantial migration. Pelicans breeding in southern Russia generally migrate to the central Middle East for the winter, with many wintering in wetlands across Iran and extending through the Indian subcontinent, reaching as far south as Sri Lanka and westward into Nepal and central India.

Additionally, the species they prey on tend to form schools or shoals, are often benthic, and exhibit slow movements. These traits facilitate collective predation. Such preferences are typical of visual predators that forage in groups or in clear waters. Below are examples of prey species recorded in its diet:

{|

!none|thumb|196x196px|[[Northern pike|Northern Pike (Esox lucius), a large predatory freshwater fish.]]

!none|thumb|265x265px|[[Garfish (Belone belone), a pelagic fish found in coastal and brackish waters.]]

!none|thumb|[[Ninespine stickleback (Pungitius pungitius), a euryhaline fish inhabiting freshwater, brackish, and marine environments.]]

|}

Total quantity

thumb|Dalmatian pelican using his pouch to hold fish weighing more than . although later field data and [[Bird anatomy#Digestive system|stomach analyses have indicated more typical daily consumption ranges of 1.2–1.5 kilograms. although more typically between 30 and 1,200 grams. When feeding on smaller fish, Dalmatian pelicans have been observed increasing their consumption rate to meet energetic needs. suggests that such events are either extremely rare or non-existent., and predation is not considered a significant cause of adult mortality. Nonetheless, adult survival may be affected by parasitic nematodes (Contracaecum spp.) acquired from the fish they consume.

Breeding

thumb|Egg, Collection [[Museum Wiesbaden]]

Among a highly social family in general, the Dalmatian pelican may have the least social inclinations. This species naturally nests in relatively small groups compared to most other pelican species and sometimes may even nest alone. However, small colonies are usually formed, which regularly include upwards of 250 pairs (especially historically). Occasionally, Dalmatian pelicans may mix in with colonies of great white pelicans. Incubation, which is split between both parents, lasts for 30 to 34 days. The chicks are born naked but soon sprout white down feathers. Aggressive behaviour between siblings is very rare and generally non-fatal. When the young are 6 to 7 weeks of age, the pelicans frequently gather in "pods". The offspring fledge at around 85 days and become independent at 100 to 105 days old. Nesting success relies on local environmental conditions, with anywhere from 58% to 100% of hatchlings successfully surviving to adulthood. Sexual maturity is thought to be obtained at three or four years of age.

Threats

Throughout the 20th century, the Dalmatian pelican underwent a dramatic decline in numbers, becoming one of the most threatened pelican species. Habitat loss due to wetland drainage and land conversion is considered one of the primary drivers of this decline. This level of exploitation has reduced the Mongolian population to fewer than 130 individuals, making the species critically endangered in that region. coordinated by Wetlands International. Today, the species is surveyed across five major population units: the Western and Eastern subpopulations of the Black Sea–Mediterranean flyway, the Fore-Caucasus and West Caspian populations, the Central and West Asia flyway populations, and the Mongolia–China population. Because Dalmatian pelicans rely on transboundary wetlands, such as Lake Prespa, effective census work demands cross-border coordination, even between states with political tensions. For example, although many birds nest in Greece, they frequently forage in North Macedonia. Yet, for years, the latter was not recognized as a "range state" in conservation terms, despite its ecological importance.

Notes

References

  • BirdLife Species Factsheet.
  • European Commission for Environment: Action plan for the Dalmatian Pelican (1996)
  • Dalmatian pelican photo gallery by Jari Peltomäki
  • Conference Proceedings of the 2009 Adriatic Flyway Conference in Ulcinj, Montenegro
  • Feeding of juvenile Dalmatian pelican video by Damyan Petkov