Definition

Noun: - A large aquatic bird: The Old World white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) is a very large, predominantly white waterbird with a massive bill and throat pouch, native to parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is similar in appearance to the American white pelican.

Usage Notes

• This is a specific ornithological term. It is used as a compound noun to name a particular species of pelican. In general contexts, one might simply use "white pelican," but "Old World white pelican" specifies the species found in the Eastern Hemisphere.
• It is typically used in scientific, wildlife, and birdwatching contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • We spotted an Old World white pelican fishing in the lake.
  • The wingspan of the Old World white pelican can exceed three meters.
  • This sanctuary is a crucial breeding ground for the Old World white pelican.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in contrast to the American white pelican (), its New World counterpart.
  • While both are large and white, the Old World white pelican often has more pinkish facial skin during breeding season compared to the American species.

Variants and Related Words

• White pelican: A more general term that can refer to either the Old World or American species without specifying.
• Pelecanus onocrotalus: The scientific binomial name for the species.
• Great white pelican: Another common name for the same species.

Synonyms

• Great white pelican (This is a direct synonym and alternate common name for the same bird species.)

Related Phrases

• Old World species: A phrase indicating an organism native to Europe, Asia, or Africa, as opposed to the Americas (the New World).

Noun

1. similar to American white pelican