Pelecanus crispus
TAXONOMY
Pelecanus crispus Bruch, 1832, Dalmatia. Monotypic.
OTHER COMMON NAMES
English: Curly-headed pelican; French: Pélican fris; German: Krauskopfpelikan; Spanish: Pelícano Ceñudo.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Large birds, 63–71 in (160–180 cm); 20–29 lb (9–13 kg); male larger than female. Silvery-white shaggy or curly crest and brownish black wingtips.
DISTRIBUTION
Breeds locally from southeastern Europe to China. Winters from the Balkans through southeast China.
HABITAT
Lakes, rivers, deltas, and estuaries where human disturbance is minimal. Breeds on islands or among tall emergent vegetation.
BEHAVIOR
May display antagonistic behavior in the form of bill clattering and gaping, especially when defending nest sites. Male emits hisses and spitting sounds in concert with bowing display during courtship.
FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET
Less likely than other big pelicans to fish in large flotillas; usually feeds alone, in pairs, or in trios. Takes a wide variety of both freshwater and marine fish, including eels (Anguilla), carp (Cyprinus and Carassius), and rudd (Scardinius).
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
Breeds in smaller colonies than many other large pelicans. Onset of breeding varies widely depending on climate; may be as
early as February or as late as August. Nests are constructed from plant material and bonded with excreta and frequently exceed 3 ft (1 m) in height and diameter. Two eggs are typically laid and incubated for 31–34 days. Chicks are hatched naked but develop white feathers within a month. Nestlings aggregate in crèches by seven weeks of age; fledge at 12 weeks; independent at 15 weeks.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Downlisted from Vulnerable to Conservation Dependent by BirdLife International at the close of the twentieth century. General population decline accelerated dangerously in the twentieth century due to reduction of wetland habitat, hunting, and overall human molestation including purposeful eradication by fishermen. Comprehensive conservation measures in Europe, including reintroduction of zoo-bred birds, are beginning to show results.
SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS
Prone to disturbance by tourists. Blamed for reduction in fish stocks. Bills are prized by traditional Mongolian herders who continue to hunt them.
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