A rare data bird (RDB) is a common resident in breeding areas, but nomadic elsewhere.
They like the coastal areas from Western Cape northwards along the West Coast. On the East Coast of South Africa they like the coastal bays, estuaries, lakes and dams from East London through most of KZN, the Eastern Lowveld of South Africa and most of Mozambique. Also the larger inland waters of Namibia and Botswana.
Being gregarious ,they forage in coordinated groups. When flying, they form V-shaped formations and can soar effortlessly, often travelling up to 200km from their nesting colony to forage. Fish up to 4kg are their favored food, but will also feed on crustaceans. Usually silent, but at breeding colonies grunts and moos can be heard. The pelican in the photograph is in breeding plumage with the season being April until August. The nest is a scrape in the ground lined with sticks and grass built by both male and female. Two eggs, which are chalky white over a pale bluish shell, are laid. The incubation is 37 to 41 days and nestling period is 65 to 70 days. Only one chick survives because older kills younger. The eggs and young may be deserted by parents if disturbed.
The Zulu name is ikhungula and in Afrikaans, die witpelikaan.
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