The Australian Pelican
Pelecanus conspicillatus
There are seven species of pelicans in the world, all of which are similar in shape and, with one exception, they are primarily white in colour. Males are larger than females. The most characteristic feature of pelicans is the elongated bill with its massive throat pouch. The bill is 40 - 50 cm long and is larger in males than females.
Pelicans weigh 4 - 7 kg, are 1.5 - 1.85 m long. Pelicans have large wings and a wingspan of around 2.4 m. They have an extremely light skeleton, weighing less than 10% of their total body weight.
The Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus is found throughout Australia, Papua New Guinea and western Indonesia, with occasional reports in New Zealand and various western Pacific islands. In Australia they are widespread on freshwater, estuarine and marine wetlands and waterways including lakes, swamps, rivers, coastal islands and shores.
This series of images were taken at “Monkey Mia” Shark Bay Western Australia by Paul Geddes in June ‘05

7 x 5 inch (18 x 13 cms) $9.50 incl. GST
10 x 8 inch (25 x 20 cms)$ 29.00 incl GST
14 x 11 inch (35 x28 cms) $49.00 incl GST
*** please note all photographs are photo lab quality prints and all prices are plus postage

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