DAY 294: DALMATION WITHOUT BLACK/WHITE SPOTS

The huge Dalmation pelican is the largest of all the pelicans and one of the largest living bird species. It measures 160 to 183 cm in length, 9–15 kg in weight and 290–351 cm in wingspan.  

The bones of this pelican are hollow and light — the weight of its skeleton makes up only 10 percent of its body weight. Its mean weight of around 11.5 kg makes it the world's heaviest flying bird species, although the largest individuals among male bustards and swans may be heavier than the largest individual Dalmatian pelican. It also appears to have one of the largest wingspans of any living bird, rivalling those of the great albatross.

When the Dalmatian pelican is in flight, unlike other pelicans, its wings are solid grayish-white with black tips. It is an elegant soaring bird. When a whole flock of Dalmatian pelicans is in flight, all its members move in graceful synchrony,  It is said to be the largest living creature that can fly.