Pink-backed Pelican

The Pink-backed Pelican (Pelecanus rufescens) is a member of the pelican family, distinguished by its relatively modest size. Adults range from 125 to 155 cm in length, with a wingspan of 2.15 to 2.9 meters, and weigh between 4 to 7 kilograms. The plumage is primarily grey and white, with a subtle pink hue on the back that is never as vivid as that of a flamingo. The bill, measuring 30 to 38 cm, is topped with yellow, and the pouch is typically greyish. During the breeding season, adults may sport elongated feather plumes on their heads.

Identification Tips

To identify the Pink-backed Pelican, look for its grey and white plumage with a possible pinkish tint on the back. The yellow upper bill and greyish pouch are also key features. In comparison to the larger Great White Pelican, which shares its habitat, the Pink-backed Pelican is smaller and has greyish rather than white plumage.

Habitat

This species thrives in a variety of aquatic environments, favoring tranquil backwaters with shallow waters. It is commonly found in freshwater lakes, swamps, large rivers with gentle currents, and seasonal pools. It can also be seen in reservoirs, seasonally flooded lands, and floodplains near river mouths, as well as alkaline and saline lakes and lagoons. Coastal presence is limited to bays and estuaries, as it seldom ventures onto the open seashore.

Distribution

The Pink-backed Pelican is a resident breeder across Africa and southern Arabia. Historically, it was also found in Madagascar, but it has since been extirpated from the island.

Behaviour

This pelican is known to nest colonially in trees, reeds, or low bushes near water bodies, and occasionally on the ground on sandy islands and in mangroves. Nests are constructed close together in nesting trees, which are reused annually until the trees collapse. The species tends to roost in similar environments, including mangroves, sandy islands, cliffs, coral reefs, and sand dunes.

Breeding

The nest of the Pink-backed Pelican is a substantial heap of sticks, situated anywhere from 10 to 50 meters above the ground. The female typically lays two to three large white eggs. Chicks feed by delving deep into the adult's pouch to consume partially digested, regurgitated fish.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Pink-backed Pelican consists mainly of fish, including cichlids like Haplochromis and Tilapia, which can weigh up to 450 grams, though they typically range from 80 to 290 grams. Amphibians also form part of their diet. These pelicans often fish in groups to capture their prey.

Conservation status

The Pink-backed Pelican is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of widespread decline.