Pelecanus Conspicillatus

Location: -16° 54’ 28.01" +145° 46’ 3.0"

The Australian Pelican holds a remarkable title: it possesses the longest bill of any bird species on record. The largest bill ever measured reached an astonishing 50 cm, securing its place as a world record setter. Beyond impressing mates, this snapping bill also serves as a powerful defence mechanism.

Weighing up to 13 kg, pelicans are among the heaviest flying birds in the world. Their lineage traces back to an ancient group of birds, with fascinating evidence preserved in fossils.

In France, the earliest-known pelican fossil was discovered, dating back 30 million years. What makes this fossil extraordinary is the near-perfect preservation of the animal’s skull, neck, and entire bill. This discovery also reveals that pelicans have remained largely unchanged over millions of years. Their average bill length is around 30 cm, matching modern pelicans.

For these reasons, Australian pelicans are often called living fossils. Adding to their legacy, one individual holds the record for the oldest living pelican, at 62 years old.