Species profile
About this species
The Great White Pelican is a large waterbird found across Africa, southeastern Europe & southern Asia, recognised by its striking white plumage, large orange-yellow bill & distinctive throat pouch. It is a highly social species that breeds in large colonies & is well known for its cooperative fishing behaviour, where groups herd fish into shallow water. Adults develop a pink facial flush & a fibrous knob on the upper bill during the breeding season.
Great White Pelicans inhabit large shallow lakes, swamps, river deltas & coastal lagoons, preferring open water with abundant fish & nearby islands or isolated shores for undisturbed nesting colonies.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Great White Pelican with us in Greece.
These departures are part of our Europe programme.
In the field, Alison Jenkins helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning & late afternoon during the golden hour offer the best light for photography. The breeding season, typically from spring to early summer, provides opportunities to photograph courtship displays & nesting activity in colonies.
Position yourself low to the water to capture dramatic reflections & to photograph the pelicans at eye level, which creates a far more engaging composition. Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s to freeze the action during cooperative fishing or when the birds are taking flight from the water surface. Shooting in the golden hour light emphasises the warm tones of the bill & plumage, & look for moments when birds are spreading their wings to capture striking silhouettes against a bright sky.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Great White Pelican
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.