Another near-threatened Pelican, breeding from SE Europe to Kazakhstan and Mongolia. Colonies also occur in Azerbaijan, W. China and Iran,
almost always inland, but will use river deltas and coastal lagoons. A very large pelican with a curly crest, the best way of separation from Great White Egret is the underwing, which is less
contrasting with paler primaries and secondaries. As the two species often fly together this is easier than other features which need a reasonably close view. Birds disperse south after breeding and may be seen from
Hong Kong to the Mediterranean.
Taken Kazakhstan June 1992 and June 2022
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