An Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus attacking a Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus moluccanus being fed by people

Abstract

Pelicans are generally piscivores, but occasionally prey on smaller waterbirds and other animals. I observed an Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus capture a Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus moluccanus after both species had been attracted to people scattering seed for birds. The Pelican briefly caught the Lorikeet by the tail, but the Lorikeet escaped and flew away. To my knowledge, this is the first report of any pelican species capturing a parrot. It is unclear whether the Pelican was attempting to eat the Lorikeet.