Pelican Overview
Species: Great White Pelican; Pelecanus onocrotalus.
Particularities: Very large white bird with pinkish flush in the breeding season. Pink orbital skin, pink and yellow bill, and yellow pouch. Larger than Pink-backed Pelican.
Juvenile: Dark brown, whitens over time (with age).
Habitat: Usually fishes in groups on open, freshwater or salt lakes. Also preys on eggs and young of gulls and cormorants.
The following pelican pictures were taken in the Djoudj National Park, north east of St-Louis (in Senegal). Please click on the pictures to enlarge them!
Enjoy the pelican show 
!
Picture 1: Mmmmhhhhhh...tasty breakfast!
This strange fishing technique is known as the “horseshoe” formation!
Picture 2: The landing zone!
Picture 3: Permission for landing granted!
Picture 4: How to waterski in a single lesson!
Picture 5: Check out the wingspan!
Beautiful isn’t it? The wingspan of a great white pelican ranges between 226 & 360 cm. That’s almost as large as the albatross! Quite extraordinary!
Picture 6: Adult male and pal!
Picture 7: Pure elegance!
Perhaps one of my favourite pics! What do you think?
Picture 8: Feel like doing the same! 
Picture 9: A refreshing splash of delight!
Picture 10: Bon voyage!
Picture 11: In total cruise control!
Picture 12: Thanks for choosing Pelican Air, we hope you had a pleasant flight!
Picture 13: Male or female? Bets are open...
Although I am definitely no pelican expert, my guess is that we are looking at a female here (Picture 13)! Males are habitually much larger, with longer beaks that curve in a downwards arc. In comparison, females have shorter and straighter beaks!
Picture 14: The race is on!
Picture 15: Gliding like a kite!
Picture 16: Yet more evidence of the pelican's amazing wingspan!
Picture 17: In the heat of the moment!
Picture 18: Out of reach!
Picture 19: Back from a little safari!
Picture 20: Try to catch me if you can...
Picture 21: Perfect symmetry!
Picture 22: Beautiful pelican "brochette"!
Picture 23: Defying gravity!
Picture 24: It's called "airskiing"!
Picture 25: Glad you surfed by...did you enjoy the pics?!
Tags: great white pelican, pelican, pelican facts, pelican pictures
Great shots… fancy putting one up on Spots Kenya. Love your blog. Keep up the cool shots..
very COOL!!!
Hey Michael:
It's funny, but I don't find the pelican to be the most attractive bird, their heads don't match the rest of their body.
By looking at them you wouldn't think they would be such elegant flyers. Still, you can't help but like them.
I like pic #21.
You're right Cheryl, not the prettiest of birds! But I still think they're absolutely incredible, and so funny to watch!
And yeah, their wingspan is quite impressive!
Thanks for your feedback!
Cheers,
Mike
Incredible wingspan!
i had great fun looking at the pics…