Australian Pelican

The Australian Pelican is one of Australia's most recognisable waterbirds, famous for its enormous bill and distinctive throat pouch. Despite its ungainly appearance on land, it is an impressive flyer capable of travelling hundreds of kilometres. While in a bird hide next to a lake, this pelican glided past, allowing me to get this shot. 

Physical Appearance

The Australian Pelican has the longest bill of any bird in the world, measuring around 40–50 centimetres. Its large throat pouch is used as a net to catch fish rather than to store food. Adults have predominantly white plumage with black and pink markings, while their long bills and legs make them unmistakable.

Habitat

Australian Pelicans are found throughout Australia and are particularly common around freshwater lakes, rivers, wetlands, estuaries and coastal areas. They can also occur on inland waterways and temporary wetlands that fill after heavy rain.

Behaviour

Diet: Fish make up most of their diet, but they may also eat crustaceans, insects, tadpoles and other aquatic animals. Their sensitive bill helps them detect and catch prey in the water.
Cooperative fishing: Pelicans sometimes work together to catch fish. Groups may form a line or circle and herd fish into shallow water, making them easier to catch.
Long-distance flyers: Despite their large size, Australian Pelicans are powerful flyers. They can use thermals and other rising air currents to soar for long periods and travel hundreds of kilometres.
Water and food: Their movements are strongly influenced by rainfall and the availability of water and food. When inland wetlands fill after significant rain, large numbers of pelicans can gather in areas that were previously dry.

Breeding

Nesting: Australian Pelicans usually breed in colonies on islands or isolated areas near water. They build simple nests on the ground, using materials such as grass, feathers and sticks.
Chicks: Young pelicans eventually leave their individual nests and gather together in groups known as crèches. Parents can still recognise and feed their own chicks among these large groups.
Breeding conditions: Unlike many birds, Australian Pelicans do not have a fixed breeding season. Breeding is largely triggered by favourable environmental conditions, particularly rainfall and the resulting increase in food and water.