Great white pelican

Great white pelican

Giants on the fish ponds

שקנאי לבןPelecanus onocrotalus

The great white pelican is one of the largest flying birds, with a wingspan of close to three meters. Large flocks pass over Israel in spring and autumn, and many stop to rest on fish ponds, reservoirs, and in the Hula Valley. They fly in formation and glide on warm air. They feed on fish, which has led to conflicts with fish-pond farmers, who scare them away. Some pelicans spend the winter in Israel, and visitors can watch them at the Agamon Hula and at coastal pools.

Glossary: Great white pelican