Pink-backed Pelican

Taxobox
name = Pink-backed Pelican
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1

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image_width = 200px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Pelecaniformes
familia = Pelecanidae
genus = "Pelecanus"
species = "P. rufescens"
binomial = "Pelecanus rufescens"
binomial_authority = Gmelin, 1789

The Pink-backed Pelican ("Pelecanus rufescens") is a member of the pelican family of birds. It is a resident breeder in Africa, southern Arabia and Madagascar in swamps and shallow lakes. The nest is a large heap of sticks, into which 2-3 large white eggs are laid. The chicks feed by plunging their heads deep into the adult’s pouch and taking the partially digested regurgitated fish.

This is a small pelican, but the wingspan is still around 2.4 m (7.9 ft) with an average weight of 5.5 kg (12 lbs). It is much smaller and duller than the Great White Pelican. The plumage is grey and white, with a pink back. The top of the bill is yellow and the pouch is usually greyish. Breeding adults have long feather plumes on the head.

Food is usually fish and amphibians and is usually obtained by fishing in groups.

References

* Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern