A national first-class protected wild animal, the Dalmatian pelican is discovered in the Rui River section of Chongxin county, Pingliang, Gansu province, on March 1, 2024. [Photo provided to gogansu.com]

A rare sighting of the Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus), a national first-class protected wild animal, was recently recorded in the Rui River section of Chongxin county of Pingliang, Northwest China's Gansu province. This is the first time this species has been spotted in the area.

On a day marked by heavy snowfall and cold weather, a wildlife photography enthusiast was thrilled to see a Dalmatian pelican soaring above the river. The bird was tracked as it descended to land near the Tongcheng Reservoir, about 20 li (approximately 10 kilometers) from the initial sighting, where it mingled with a flock of herons.

The Dalmatian pelican is a large avian species. It weighs between 11,000 and 15,000 grams; has a body length of 160-180 millimeters and a beak measuring 362-450 millimeters. Its wings span 680-800 millimeters. It has a tail length of 160-180 millimeters; and tarsus measuring 121-149 millimeters. It inhabits inland lakes, rivers, swamps, and coastal areas. 

It is estimated that the global population of Dalmatian pelican is between 10,000 and 20,000, with 4,000 to 5,000 breeding pairs. The species was included in China’s National Key Protected Wild Animal List as a first-class protected animal on Feb 5, 2021.

In recent years, Chongxin county in Gansu province has vigorously advanced ecological construction, leading to continuous improvements in the Rui River and the creation of an “Migratory Bird Paradise” with stunning ecological beauty. The favorable ecological environment has attracted numerous precious bird species to settle and nest here. The precious footage of the Dalmatian pelican recorded this time provides an important reference for the monitoring and protection of migratory birds in the Rui River basin.

A national first-class protected wild animal, the Dalmatian pelican is discovered in the Rui River section of Chongxin county, Pingliang, Gansu province, on March 1, 2024. [Photo provided to gogansu.com]

A national first-class protected wild animal, the Dalmatian pelican is discovered in the Rui River section of Chongxin county, Pingliang, Gansu province, on March 1, 2024. [Photo provided to gogansu.com]

A national first-class protected wild animal, the Dalmatian pelican is discovered in the Rui River section of Chongxin county, Pingliang, Gansu province, on March 1, 2024. [Photo provided to gogansu.com]

A national first-class protected wild animal, the Dalmatian pelican is discovered in the Rui River section of Chongxin county, Pingliang, Gansu province, on March 1, 2024. [Photo provided to gogansu.com]