Pink-Backed Pelican

Pelecanus rufescens

Family

Pelecanidae

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Range

Central and Southern Africa

Habitat

Wetlands

Highlights

Pink-backed pelicans are one of the smaller pelican species, with a wingspan of 7-9.5 feet with mostly grey plumage with pinkish back and underparts.

Pink-backed pelicans are one of the smaller pelican species, with a wingspan of 7-9.5 feet with mostly grey plumage with pinkish back and underparts. Their distinctive pouch is not used for storing fish, but rather like a fishing net to scoop up water and fish. They will squeeze the water out of the pouch and swallow the fish whole. Pink-backed pelicans hunt for food alone or in small groups, but roost and breed in larger flocks. Threats: Draining wetlands, overfishing, and pollution.