This weather is for the Birds...

The Eastern white pelican is also known as the great white pelican, and they are found from southeastern Europe through to Asia and African swamps.

The eastern white pelican is the second largest of the pelican species. Their wingspan can reash between 226 to 360cm. Their bills reach between 28 and 47cm in length and adult males typically weigh from 9 - 15 kg.

Adult eastern white pelicans have pure white plumage with pinkish legs. Juveniles are grey in colour and have dark flight feathers. They have short strong legs with webbed feet to help propel them in the water and aid in take off.

They are usually found in groups in and around shallow warm fresh water. Their diet consits mainly of fish and they prefer to feed in the early morning.

Breeding season takes place in April and May where breeding takes place in colonies. The females lay between one and four eggs in a clutch. Incubation lasts between 29 - 36 days and the chicks are naked when they hatch. They produce black or brown down feathers. Chicks fledge the nest approximately 65-75 days after hatching. Chicks are often vulnerable to eagles, jackals and lions whereas adults have very few predators. However those living in Africa can fall victim to crocodiles.