Dalmatian Pelican

The Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus) is a member of the pelican family. It breeds from southeastern Europe to India and China in swamps and shallow lakes. The nest is a crude heap of vegetation.

This is the largest of the pelicans, averaging 170–190 cm (67-75 inches) in length, 11–15 kg (24-33 lbs) in weight and just over 3 m (10 ft) in wingspan. On average, it is the world's heaviest flying species,[citation needed] although large male bustards and swans can exceed the pelican in maximum weight. It differs from the Great White Pelican in that it has curly nape feathers, grey legs and greyish-white (rather than pure white) plumage. It has a red lower mandible in the breeding season. Immatures are grey and lack the pink facial patch of immature White Pelicans. The latter also has darker flight feathers.
As is well known, pelicans catch fish and small birds in their huge bill pouches.
Like the White Pelican, this species has declined greatly through habitat loss and persecution[clarification needed]. As of 1994, there are around 1,000 breeding pairs in Europe, most of them in Ukraine, Russia, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria and Albania (Karavasta Lagoon).
According to the International Bureau for the Study of water game total number of species in the world not more than 1500 couples (and less now). This is the basis of the type to be proposed for inclusion in the World Red Data Book of rare and endangered plants and animals.
In Bulgaria, the Dalmatian pelican is a protected species without exception and is placed in the category "endangered animals"to "Red Book.