The trees where they nest frequently die after several clutches, which forces the colonies to move, although not very far.
Pelecanidae
Pelecaniformes
Birds
30 days.
2-4
ESB
They feed on fish that they frequently catch in groups, preferring cichlid fish, especially Haplochromis and Tilapia.
10-20 years in the wild and up to 30 in captivity.
It is smaller and stockier than the common pelican, its plumage is light with a pinkish-gray hue. The primary and secondary feathers are chestnut gray. It measures 125-132 cm, with a wingspan of 215 to 290 cm and weight is 4 to 7 Kg.
The beak, legs and feet are pink. Adults have a tuft of longer feathers on their heads.
They carry out migratory movements depending on the rains and the abundance of food.
They form small breeding colonies of 20 to 500 pairs, which do not necessarily settle near water, and place their nests of branches on vegetation, which can be trees, bushes and mangroves. Often these colonies are made in the company of other large birds. They lay two to four slightly bluish white eggs.
Active during the day at first and last hour of the day, although they usually fish on full moon nights.
The trees where they nest frequently die after several clutches, which forces the colonies to move, although not very far.
