The White Pelican is as large as a Swan. Its bill is about fifteen
inches in length. Its plumage is white, with a slightly rosy tint, the
crest and a few feathers on the neck yellowish.
It is very common on the lakes and rivers of Hungary and southern
Russia, as well as on the banks of the Danube. A wild rocky shore, where
it can look down on the sea, is the favorite haunt of this Pelican; but
it is not uncommon for it to perch on trees. The nest is formed of
coarse reedy grass, with a lining of finer quality; it is generally made
on the ground, and is about eighteen inches in diameter, in which it
lays four, sometimes five, white eggs, but more frequently two, slightly
oblong, and alike at both ends. Fish forms its principal food, which it
captures chiefly in shallow inlets, as it is an indifferent diver.
Occasionally its flight is lofty, but generally close to the surface of
the water.