Dalmatian Pelican Colony

The Prespa Lakes support breeding colonies of both Dalmatian and Great White Pelicans — making this one of the most important sites in Europe for these birds. The Dalmatian Pelican colony on Micro Prespa is among the largest in the world, with several hundred pairs nesting in the lake's reed beds from February onwards.

The best time to see the pelicans is spring and early summer when the adults are feeding young. Boat trips from Psarades offer close views of the nesting areas. Guided birdwatching tours can be arranged through local organisations. The society for the Protection of Prespa has an information centre in the village of Agios Germanos, which provides maps, trail information, and birdwatching advice.

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The Dalmatian Pelican is the world's largest flying bird, with a wingspan of up to 3.5 metres. The Prespa Lakes hold one of the largest breeding colonies in the world — around 1,200 pairs nest here each year. In the 1980s the total world population had fallen to fewer than 1,000 pairs. Conservation efforts at Prespa, led by the Society for the Protection of Prespa, helped reverse the decline.

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