Birds
Dalmatian Pelican
Pelecanus crispus · Pelican creț
One of the largest freshwater birds in the world, with curly nape feathers and a silvery-grey look.
At a glance
- Habitat
- Wetland
- Activity
- Daytime
- Diet
- Fish.
- Conservation status
- Near Threatened (IUCN)
- Photography difficulty
- Moderate
Identification
Very large, silvery-white with curly head feathers and grey legs; the pouch turns orange-red in breeding season.
Habitat
Large shallow lakes and deltas with fish and undisturbed islands.
Approximate range in Romania
When it is active
Daytime
Diet
Fish.
Behaviour
Fishes alone or in small groups, and soars in flocks.
Seasonality in Romania
Monthly presence has not yet been source-verified.
Breeding
Nests in small colonies on remote islands. Very sensitive to disturbance.
How to find it
Large lakes of the Danube Delta, with a licensed guide.
Photography
General guidance based on the species’ behaviour, not a report of Nick’s personal field experience.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Ethics
- Never approach breeding colonies.
Practical starting points, not fixed rules.