Pink-backed Pelican

Identification

The pink-backed pelican is a relatively large water bird, measuring 125 to 155 cm in length with a wingspan of 2.15–2.9 m and weighing 4 to 7 kg. Its most distinctive feature is its plumage of grey and white with a subtle pinkish hue on the back—though never as vivid as a flamingo's colouring. The bill is notably long at 30 to 38 cm, topped with yellow colouring, while the pouch beneath is typically greyish. During breeding season, adults develop long, elegant feather plumes on the head. In shared habitats, it can be distinguished from the larger great white pelican by its greyer (rather than pure white) plumage.

Range & Habitat

The pink-backed pelican is found across Africa and southern Arabia as a resident breeder, though it has been extirpated from Madagascar. The species shows a strong preference for quiet, shallow-water environments such as swamps, freshwater lakes, large slow-flowing rivers, and seasonal pools. It also frequents reservoirs, seasonally flooded plains near river mouths, and occasionally alkaline or saline lakes and lagoons. While it may visit coastal bays and estuaries, it rarely ventures onto open seashore, instead favouring sheltered aquatic habitats.

Behaviour & Diet

Pink-backed pelicans are highly social birds that typically hunt for food in groups. Their diet consists primarily of fish ranging up to 450 g in weight, with most catches falling in the 80–290 g range, supplemented by amphibians. Notable prey species include cichlids such as Haplochromis and Tilapia. The birds breed colonially, nesting in trees, reeds, low bushes along waterfronts, or occasionally on sandy islands and in mangroves. Their large stick nests may be positioned 10–50 m above ground and are reused annually until the trees eventually collapse. Females typically lay two to three large white eggs, and chicks feed by inserting their heads deep into the parent's pouch to consume partially digested regurgitated fish.

Best Time & Places to See It

Look for pink-backed pelicans in suitable wetland habitats throughout Africa and southern Arabia. They favour quieter backwaters and shallow lakes rather than steep or heavily vegetated shorelines. Colonial breeding sites in trees and mangroves along waterfronts are particularly reliable locations, especially during the breeding season when birds gather in large numbers. Freshwater lakes, swamps, and slow-flowing rivers offer the best chances for observation.

Photography Tips

Photograph pink-backed pelicans from a respectful distance to avoid disturbing roosting or breeding birds. Early morning and late afternoon light will best reveal the subtle pinkish hue on their backs and highlight the yellow bill colouration. Capture images of birds in breeding plumage with their distinctive head plumes for maximum impact. Colony sites offer excellent opportunities for behavioural shots, particularly of adults and chicks interacting at nests. Group fishing behaviour provides dynamic action photography possibilities if you can position yourself safely near favoured feeding areas.