Updated
The pink-backed pelican is the smaller of Uganda’s two pelicans, greyish-white with a faint pink tinge on the back in breeding season, a pale pink pouch and a dark spot in front of the eye. Unlike the great white pelican, it usually fishes alone or in small groups and nests in trees. In Uganda it is common on lakes and rivers, including the Kazinga Channel, Lake Mburo and the shores of Lake Victoria.
Habits
It swims slowly and plunges its bill and pouch into the water to catch fish, often in quieter backwaters. Pink-backed pelicans breed in colonies in tall trees near water, sometimes alongside storks and herons, and roost on trees and sandbanks. Their greyer colour and smaller size help separate them from great white pelicans when both are present.
Where to see it
Look on the Kazinga Channel boat trip, the Lake Mburo boat, and along the shoreline near Entebbe. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guides to the great white pelican, Lake Mburo, Uganda’s wetlands and Uganda birding.
Frequently asked questions
It is smaller and greyer, fishes alone and nests in trees.
On the Kazinga Channel, Lake Mburo and Lake Victoria’s shores.
Only faintly, mainly in breeding season.
Fish.
