Great White (Rosy) Pelicans

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It was a delightful sight; calm blue waters and these huge white beauties peacefully floating around. I had seen them a few years ago at the Bhimlat wetlands near Bundi, Rajasthan. That was a far away view and now, seeing them so close was exhilarating!

Sharing some pics, info and a clip on them along with some wonderful quotes.

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“I think the most important quality in a birdwatcher is a willingness to stand quietly and see what comes. Our everyday lives obscure a truth about existence – that at the heart of everything there lies a stillness and a light.” ― Lynn Thomson, Birding with Yeats: A Mother’s Memoir

The Great White Pelican or Rosy Pelicans wingspan is massive. It ranges between 7.5-11.10 feet.

“The presence of a single bird can change everything for one who appreciates them.” ― Julie Zickefoose, Saving Jemima: Life and Love with a Hard-Luck Jay

Present in winter in sub-Saharan Africa and north of India, the Great White Pelican migrates to Eastern Europe and Asia for nesting, stopping on the banks of the Danube delta, the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea.

“Birds teach great life lessons. All you have to do is listen to their song.”

Immature Rosy Pelicans have brown upper wings.

“To be standing and looking up into the sky, marveling at birds and reveling in the natural world around us, was a simple miracle. And I wondered why we were so rarely able to appreciate it.” ― Lynn Thomson, Birding with Yeats: A Mother’s Memoir

Despite being a heavy bird, its flight is easy due to the air pockets it has under the skin. This helps it to keep flying for long hours and distances.

“Nature’s prime favorites were the Pelicans; High-fed, long-lived, and sociable and free.” — James Montgomery

It has the ability to drink salt water and turn it into fresh water to stay hydrated.

“One reason that birds matter – ought to matter – is that they are our last, best connection to a natural world that is otherwise receding. They’re the most vivid and widespread representatives of the Earth as it was before people arrived on it.” — Jonathan Franzen

The Rosy Pelican has no subspecies. The favorite habitats of this bird are lakes and inland seas.

“A wonderful bird is a pelican, His bill will hold more than his belican. He can take in his beak Food enough for a week; But I’m damned if I see how the helican.” — Dixon Lanier Merritt

When the Pelican pushes its bill under the water, the lower bill blows out, creating a large pouch to catch water and fish. The yellow gular pouch can hold ~13 liters of fluid or ~4 kilos of fish.

“The sharp thrill of seeing them reminded me of childhood happiness, gifts under the Christmas tree, perhaps, a kind of euphoria we adults manage to shut out most of the time. This is why I bird-watch, to recapture what it’s like to live in this moment, right now.” ― Lynn Thomson, Birding with Yeats: A Mother’s Memoir

It’s very communicative and uses a variety of songs to communicate with each other. It’s main feature is the very long beak (11.5 to 18.5 inches) with a kind of curved red hook in the end.

They are in India now on their winter migration. Check if they are in your city and indulge in some wonderful bird-watching (mainly coastal regions and North India).

Bhimlat Wetlands; two types of Pelicans can be seen Rosy & Dalmation. A time when I was not into birding.

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The Soul Is Here For It’s Own Joy!
Monika Ohson | TravelerInMe