2 Pelicans Of Vietnam

Pelicans Of Vietnam – Pelecanidae

The family Pelecanidae, or pelicans, includes eight species of large waterbirds with distinctive long bills and throat pouches for catching fish. There are two species Pelicans of Vietnam can be found: the Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) and the Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis).

The Great White Pelican is a large, white bird with black primary and secondary flight feathers. It has a distinctive pink or orange bill with a large throat pouch that can expand to hold up to 12 liters of water. Great White Pelicans are found in wetlands, rivers, and lakes throughout much of Africa, Europe, and Asia, and migrate south to wintering grounds in southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. In Vietnam, they are considered a rare resident and can be found in coastal wetlands and freshwater lakes.

The Spot-billed Pelican is a medium-sized pelican with a white body and black wings. It is named for the yellow or orange spot on its bill, which distinguishes it from other pelican species. Spot-billed Pelicans are found in wetlands and rivers throughout Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. They are a rare resident in Vietnam, with most sightings occurring in the Mekong Delta and in the Red River Delta.

Both species of pelican are threatened by habitat loss and hunting, and their populations have declined in recent years. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their wetland habitats and prevent hunting and disturbance, but more work is needed to ensure the survival of these unique and important birds