Plizio Visual Lab

Pelican

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

The pelican is one of the most majestic birds of the Danube Delta, with two species found in Romania: the Great White Pelican and the Dalmatian Pelican. The Danube Delta hosts the largest breeding colony of Great White Pelicans in Europe, specifically within the strictly protected Roșca-Buhaiova area. These massive birds are famous for their long bills and large throat pouches, which can hold up to 13 liters of water used to scoop up fish. Pelicans are highly social creatures, often hunting in synchronized groups to drive schools of fish into shallow waters. With a wingspan reaching up to 3 meters, they are exceptional gliders, using thermal air currents to cover vast distances during migration. While they winter in Africa or Southern Asia, they return to the Delta in March for the nesting season. The conservation of their nesting sites is critical, as they are extremely sensitive to human disturbance during the breeding period.

Location: Tulcea, Romania
Nearby: Sfântu Gheorghe (15 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	1	2	6	11	18	22	25	25	20	14	8	3
Rain mm	43	31	32	31	38	46	36	25	35	46	38	44

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The best time to see pelicans in the Danube Delta is from April to August, when birds breed and raise their young. In autumn many pelicans migrate away, but some species remain in winter.

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Best time of day

Early morning pelicans are most active, flying over the water in search of food. Late afternoon they return to their colonies, offering good photo opportunities.

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Etiquette

Keep a distance from pelican colonies, especially during breeding season, to avoid disturbances. Feeding pelicans is prohibited as it disrupts their natural hunting.

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What to bring

Binoculars with high magnification are important for observing pelicans from a distance. A camera with a telephoto lens and a tripod are recommended for steady shots from a boat.

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Getting there

The Danube Delta is best explored by boat from Tulcea, where numerous tours are offered. For pelican colonies, guided boat trips are the usual way to get there.

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What to expect

Pelicans are often visible, but the best sightings require patience, especially when the birds are fishing. Take your time and enjoy the peaceful boat ride through the canals.

Geography

Coordinates

44.90000, 29.40000

Facts

Pelicans have a wingspan that can reach up to 3 meters (nearly 10 feet).
The throat pouch can expand to hold as much as 13 liters (3.4 gallons).
The Danube Delta hosts Europe's largest Great White Pelican colony.
An adult pelican eats approximately 1.5 to 2 kg of fish each day.
They are powerful fliers, capable of reaching altitudes of 3,000 meters.
The Dalmatian Pelican is one of the world's heaviest flying bird species.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Sfântu Gheorghe15 km · EExplore →

Sturgeons27 km · NEExplore →

Danube Delta30 km · NExplore →

Crișan31 km · NExplore →

Eurasian Otter33 km · WExplore →

Razim-Sinoe Lagoon Complex34 km · WExplore →

Sulina35 km · NEExplore →

Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve36 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where are the largest pelican colonies located?

In the Danube Delta, especially in the Roșca-Buhaiova reserve.

When do pelicans return to Romania?

Usually in March, as the weather warms up, and they stay until October.

Which pelican species are found in the Danube Delta?

The Great White Pelican and the rarer Dalmatian Pelican.

How much fish does a pelican eat per day?

An adult pelican can eat up to 2-3 kg of fish daily.

Are you allowed to approach the colonies?

No, a minimum distance is important not to disturb the birds during nesting season.

Pelican: where is it located?

Pelican is located in Tulcea, Romania.

Pelican: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.

Pelican: why is it worth visiting?

The pelican is one of the most majestic birds of the Danube Delta, with two species found in Romania: the Great White Pelican and the Dalmatian Pelican.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →