The great white pelican (lat. Pelecanus onocrotalus), also known as the eastern white pelican, rosy pelican, or white pelican is a migratory waterfowl species that is widespread in Africa and Eurasia. In the region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, it is found in the Nestos Delta, Evros river, Porto Lagos, and Lake Vistonida.
It is the second largest pelican (after the Dalmatian pelican), with an impressive wingspan. It is a very impressive bird species, with off-white plumage, a strong and massive beak, and a signature submandibular pouch; it can therefore be easily distinguished among other waterfowl. The male breeding white pelican is characterized by the striking pink color all around its eyes and a small plume on the top of its head.
The great white pelican feeds mainly on fish. Its beak functions just like a fisherman's net: when open, the lower part "sweeps" the water, and the huge pouch is filled with both water and fish. As soon as the bird raises its head, the pouch closes, letting the water drain out whereas - at the same time - the fish are kept inside.
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