Dalmatian pelican, one of the heaviest flying birds, sighted in eastern Türkiye

Sunday 22 March 2026 - 15:30

A rare Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus), one of the largest and heaviest flying birds in the world, has been observed in the eastern Turkish province of Iğdır, an area known for its significance as a migratory stopover.

With a wingspan approaching three meters and weighing over 10 kilograms, this remarkable bird is recognized as the largest of all pelican species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the Dalmatian pelican as vulnerable, highlighting the importance of monitoring its populations.

Researchers tracking seasonal bird migrations noted several groups of these pelicans passing through the region as spring temperatures rise. The birds were specifically observed in the Aralık-Karasu marshes and the Aras Bird Paradise, two vital wetland habitats supporting a variety of migratory species.

The sightings underscore the ecological importance of Türkiye’s wetland areas, which provide resting and feeding grounds for numerous birds traveling along migratory routes spanning Europe and Asia. Conservationists stress that protecting these habitats is essential for maintaining biodiversity and supporting vulnerable species like the Dalmatian pelican.