Definition

Noun: * A large aquatic bird, specifically the Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus), characterized by its white plumage, a large throat pouch used for catching fish, and a wingspan that can exceed 3 meters. It is native to parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Usage

• The term Pelecanus onocrotalus is the scientific (Latin) name used for precise biological classification. In everyday language, the common name Great White Pelican or Eastern White Pelican is preferred.
• It is used as a singular, countable noun. The plural form is (scientific names do not change for plural) or, more commonly, Great White Pelicans.

Examples

• Scientific Context: "The study focused on the migratory patterns of across the Mediterranean."
• General Context: "We spotted a flock of Great White Pelicans () resting on the lake."
• Comparative Context: "Unlike the Brown Pelican, often hunts cooperatively in groups."

Advanced Usage

• In ornithology and taxonomy, the binomial name is always italicized. The genus name () is capitalized, while the species epithet () is not.
• It can be used attributively as a noun modifier: "The population has been stable in this reserve."

Variants and Related Words

• Great White Pelican (n): The standard common English name.
• Eastern White Pelican (n): An alternative common name.
• Pelican (n): The general term for all birds in the genus .
• Onocrotalus (n): An old or poetic term sometimes used synonymously, derived from the species name.

Synonyms

• Great White Pelican
• Eastern White Pelican
• Rosy Pelican (a name sometimes used, referring to the faint pink tinge on its plumage during breeding season)

Different Meanings

• The term Pelecanus onocrotalus refers exclusively to this specific species of pelican. It does not have other metaphorical or idiomatic meanings.

Notes

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with this scientific term.

Noun

1. similar to American white pelican