Great White Pelican vs Pink-backed Pelican

In short

The Great White Pelican is larger with a predominantly white plumage and a yellowish bill pouch, while the Pink-backed Pelican is smaller, with a distinctive pinkish hue on its back and a greyish bill pouch. These differences are most noticeable when both species are seen together or in good light conditions.

Identification tips

1. Size: Great White Pelican is larger; 2. Plumage: Look for the pinkish hue on the back of Pink-backed Pelican; 3. Bill Pouch: Yellowish in Great White, greyish in Pink-backed; 4. Habitat: Consider the size of the water body; 5. Group Comparison: If possible, compare individuals side by side.

Size

The Great White Pelican is significantly larger than the Pink-backed Pelican, making size a reliable field mark when both species are present.

Plumage

Great White Pelicans have mostly white plumage with some black on the wings, whereas Pink-backed Pelicans have a greyish-white plumage with a noticeable pinkish hue on the back.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit similar behaviors, such as cooperative fishing and soaring flight, making behavior less useful for differentiation.

Habitat

Great White Pelicans are typically found in larger bodies of water, while Pink-backed Pelicans prefer smaller, more sheltered waters, but there is overlap in their habitats.

Voice

Vocalizations are not a reliable differentiator in the field as both species are generally silent, except for grunts and croaks at breeding colonies.