Peruvian Pelican - Definition

The Peruvian Pelican (Pelecanus thagus) is a member of the pelican family.

It lives on the west coast of South America, from Lobos de Tierra Island in Peru to Pupuya Islet in Chile.

These birds are dark in colour with a white stripe from the top of the bill, up to the crown and down the sides of the neck. They have long tufted feathers on the top of their heads.

The main breeding season occurs from September to March. Clutch size is usually two or three eggs. Eggs are incubated for approximately 4 to 5 weeks, with the rearing period lasting about 3 months.

This bird feeds on several fish species, showing a strong preference for Peruvian Anchovies. It feeds by plunge-diving, like its close relative the Brown Pelican.