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Very large and distinctive black-and-white pelican.
Not listed
Indigenous: Gawirra, Pilyabaarny, Gorlgorlk, Balubalu, Burunggurg, Gulaanbali, Pelikan, Guliyaali, Gulambirr, Bilyabaarny, Gulayaali, Bulujja, Baalmi, Milinnguwarra, Baya, Mula, Galagalk, Ni-Gorlogorlk, Gorlkkorlk, Maabulhu, Spectacled Pelican
At a glance
FamilyPelicans
SizeGiant
RarityCommon
HabitatCoastlines, harbours, offshore waters, estuaries, headlands, beaches, and large inland water when conditions suit.
Best timeReported across most months in New South Wales, with no narrow seasonal peak.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Khristos Nizamis
Range map
Range map
7784visible hotspots
580998visible records
6states
SparseModerateDense hotspot
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Enormous bill with characteristic throat pouch. Becomes tame around boat-ramps and fishing spots. Perches on lamp-posts.
Behavior
Usually found near water, both marine and inland waterways.
Gallery