ANIMAL SPECIES:Australian Pelican
During periods of starvation, pelicans have been reported capturing and eating seagulls and ducklings. The gulls are held under water and drowned before being eaten headfirst. Pelicans will also rob other birds of their prey.
Size range
1.6 - 1.8 m long, 2.3 - 2.5 m wingspanDistribution
Throughout Australia
Habitat
Freshwater, marine, intertidal.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
Pelicans mainly eat fish, but they are opportunistic feeders and eat a variety of aquatic animals including crustaceans, tadpoles and turtles. They readily accept 'handouts' from humans, and a number of unusual items have been recorded in their diet. During periods of starvation, pelicans have been reported capturing and eating seagulls and ducklings. The gulls are held under water and drowned before being eaten headfirst. Pelicans will also rob other birds of their prey.
Classification
- Species:
- conspicillatus
- Genus:
- Pelecanus
- Family:
- Pelecanidae
- Order:
- Pelecaniformes
- Class:
- Aves
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
Further Reading
For more detailed information about the Australian Pelican, visit the Birds in Backyards Pelican fact sheet.
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Australian Pelican View full size
G Little
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1 comment
jenny-gruber
11.06 PM, 08 June 2009
I had no idea pelicans ate seagulls (even if only during periods of starvation)! The attached photo is of a pelican at Taronga Zoo in Sydney.
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