About Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus) Danube Delta
The Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus) it is a worldwide endangered species. In the Danube's Delta, nest annually between 300 and 500 pairs.
It is the largest bird species in Romania, with a weight of 13 Km. Its wingspan reaches 3, 45 m. This pelican has a rather greyish than clear white plumage and its name comes from its curly crest.
The Dalmatian pelican comes to the Danube's Delta during the middle of February and it leaves the area in October. The most important colony is located near the Sinoe Lake. Previously the most important colonies were located in the Brăila and Ialomița ponds. Currently, the population of Dalmatian pelicans barely reaches the Călărași area.
The Dalmatian pelican feeds in small groups and sometimes even solitarily. It prefers the Prussian carps, the tenches and the Northern pikes.
Its nest is elaborate. There have been spotted nests as high as 1 to 1, 30 m. This pelican build its nest in higher areas, which are hard to reach. During one pairing season a pair of Dalmatian pelicans lays 2 to 4 eggs. During pairing season, its plumage turns silvery white, with a yellowish-pink iridescence on its chest. Its craw becomes burgundy and it completes it elegant appearance.
In order to assure the perpetuation of this pelican in the Danube's Delta there are being taken measures to preserve the platforms and the areas where the birds nest.
The largest number of nests was recorded in 2011. The Dalmatian pelican is considered nature's monument since 1955.