The Dalmatian pelican is the largest pelican species, averaging 170 to 190 cm in length, 11 to 15 kg in weight and just over 3 m in wingspan. It is also the world’s heaviest flying species.
The Dalmatian pelican differs from the white pelican by its curly nape feathers, its gray legs and grayish-white rather than pure white plumage. It has a reddish bill-pouch in the breeding season. The diet is strictly fish. Dalmatian pelicans are less social than other pelican species.