Greggs Birds - Card 40 - Australian Pelican

Some moisture damage to back of card. Number 40 of 40. Text says:

40

Australian Pelican

The only recorded sighting in New Zealand was in 1890, on the Wanganui River. Sub-fossil bones have also been found. Breeds in colonies by lagoons or costal islands. Eats fish and [...]ea. Lays 2 or 3 white, che[...]

This bird is most definatively a warm climate bird as the description above notes, temperate is not so ideal, brrr.... But despite that the Australian Pelican do have a wide range, extending as far as Indonesia and Paupua New Guniea. In particular the larger birds of the breed tend to roam widely, helping to spread the species.

Greggs Birds - Card 22 - Griffon Vulture

Card number 22 of 40. Text is:

22

Griffon Vulture

A noisy bird that never kills its food but feeds on dead and decaying carcasses. Nests on cliffs or in trees in open country ranging from southern Europe to India and South Africa.

The Griffon Vulture is generally found in parts of Europe referred to as the old world. While a reasonable population level is believed, there is some concern that population growth in many areas is reducing the scavenging opportunities for such birds, and therefore limiting the available habitat.

Griffon Vultures are particularly remarkable for two things. They can stand or bask in a variety of poses, including by resting on its half folded wings. And also for being found flying at very high altitudes.

There are a number of interesting short videos available about this bird at the Internet Bird Collection site.