Uganda is one of African countries where bird-watching takes place owing to more than 1000 bird species dotted across all corners of Uganda, and pelicans are just some of them. The pelicans are of 8 species worldwide but in Uganda, there are only two species, namely the great white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) and pink backed pelican (Pelecanus rufescens).
Great white pelicans are also called the Easter white pelicans or rosy pelicans or white pelicans. It’s different and can be easily identified due to its plumage, naked face and feathering on its head. Other pelicans are feathered all over the body. Pink baked pelicans are greyish while great white pelicans are white.
Pelicans are large water birds that are usually spotted along the banks of Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park. They are usually seen swimming in most waters bodies around the Great Rift Valley. While on a flight or at rest on the ground, pelicans give impressive views and they can be easily recognized. One can easily notice their uniqueness by color, size and behavior.
Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in Western Uganda is home to over 600 bird species including the pelicans on Kazinga Channel. The Kazinga Channel stretches from Lake Edward to Lake George and is one of the best birding spots in this national park. Other inhabitants of the great Kazinga channel are crocodiles, hippos among others.
Pelicans are black and white with a pink and yellow bill, and the male has a purple facial skin, while female pelicans’ face is orange yellowish. Young ones have greyish brown plumage which juveniles are much browner and darker. They live in flocks but never get surprised when you find only one around water bodies.
During the breeding season, an adult female lays about 3 eggs and after 29 to 36 days, hatching takes place. And just like a human being, both parents take care of the hatched chicks by providing ready food, water and security. The main food for pelicans is fish but they also take insects, amphibians among others. They normally hunt in groups by forming a semi-circle as they take prey to shallow waters to catch it.
The International Union for conservation of nature lists the pink-backed pelican to be among the birds that are least concerned. This means that pelicans have been evaluated but not qualified for any category of threatened or near threatened.
The pelicans are normally threatened by eagles which eat their eggs. This is because their weight cannot be tolerated by the eagles. Mammals like hum beings, lions also endanger pelicans by way of evading their territories. Crocodiles also kill and eat the pelicans as they swim in water while searching for food.
Pelicans offer beautiful view as you spot them around various crater lakes in Queen Elizabeth National Park; therefore you need not miss birding a safari Uganda, the pearl of Africa which will take you to the most interesting and visited national park.
Pelicans can be spotted all year round in Queen Elizabeth National Park because they don’t migrate due the favorable factors like enough food in terms of fish, cool temperatures and no much interference from human beings and so much more. Although tourists are advised to take a safari in the dry season since the tracks in Queen Elizabeth National Park are not tarmacked and vehicles may get stuck during rainy seasons.
Are you planning for a Uganda birding safari in Uganda? Then don’t miss out to search for the pelicans in Queen Elizabeth National Park on the shores of Kazinga Channel and around the numerous crater lakes.
