St. James’s Park, located in the heart of London, is not only a sanctuary for city dwellers seeking a moment of respite amidst the hustle and bustle, but it’s also home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife. One of the park’s most famed avian residents is the pelican. With their expansive wingspans and distinctive pouch-like beaks, these birds have been a feature of the park since 1664, when they were gifted to King Charles II by the Russian Ambassador. However, in recent times, these otherwise serene birds have been making headlines for a rather unexpected reason: reports of them eating pigeons.
In 1981, a pair of St. James’s Park pelicans were relocated to the London Zoo due to their penchant for gulping down numerous pigeons.
More recently they have been photographed and filmed eating pigeons whole.
The Pelican’s Diet
In their natural habitats, which span from freshwater lakes to coastal regions, pelicans predominantly feed on fish. They use their long bills and large throat pouches to scoop up fish from the water, which they then swallow whole. Their diet might also occasionally include amphibians, crustaceans, and small birds.
The pelicans in St. James’s Park are regularly fed by park officials, and their diet predominantly comprises fish. However, it seems that, for some of the pelicans, the regular fare isn’t enough. Over the years, several visitors have been startled to witness pelicans catching and swallowing pigeons whole.
The root of this issue is though to be the public feeding the birds with bread. Pigeons love bread, but pelicans don’t. As the pigeons feast, they become easy targets, often failing to see the looming beaks of the pelicans. Mistaking the pigeons for a meal, the pelicans will consume them in one go.
The Why Behind This Behavior
It’s important to clarify that not all pelicans in St. James’s Park indulge in this behavior and it’s not a daily occurrence. The instances where pelicans have been observed eating pigeons are rare but have nonetheless garnered much attention due to their shock factor.
There could be multiple reasons behind this behavior:
- Opportunistic Feeding: All animals, including birds, are opportunistic to some extent. If a pigeon, usually an agile bird, happens to be in an easily catchable situation, a pelican might take the chance.
- Dietary Needs: It’s possible that some pelicans might need more nutrients than what’s provided in their regular diet. Pigeons might offer certain nutrients that the pelicans aren’t getting otherwise.
- Behavioral Changes: Human-fed environments can sometimes lead to changes in animal behavior. The pelicans at St. James’s Park, unlike their wild counterparts, do not need to hunt daily for their food. This change in environment might lead to occasional deviations in their typical feeding behavior.
Environmental and Ethical Concerns
The idea of a pelican eating a pigeon can be distressing for park visitors. From an ethical standpoint, it raises concerns about whether the park’s pelicans are receiving adequate care and nutrition. Moreover, it calls into question the impact of human intervention on animal behaviors in urban settings.
On the flip side, nature, even in urban environments, is unpredictable. Predatory behaviors are innate in many species, and while pigeons are not the typical prey for pelicans, such interactions showcase the intricate and sometimes surprising dynamics of urban ecosystems.
The Pelicans of St. James’s Park: A Detailed Look
The pelicans of St. James’s Park are more than just a quaint attraction; they are a cherished part of London’s urban wildlife. Over the years, these birds have delighted many a visitor with their grace and charm. Here’s a closer look at their numbers, names, breeding habits, and feeding regime.
Numbers and Names
The number of pelicans in the park has varied over the years, but as of recent counts, there are typically around three to five pelicans residing in the park. Each of these pelicans, being quite the local celebrities, have been given names. While the names might change as new pelicans are introduced or older ones pass away, some past and present names include Isla, Tiffany, Gargi, and Sun.
Breeding Habits
While the pelicans in St. James’s Park have all the comforts they might need, there hasn’t been a recorded instance of them breeding in the park. Eastern White Pelicans, which are the species found in the park, breed in colonies in the wild, usually on islands in freshwater lakes. Their natural breeding grounds are far from London, spanning regions from southeastern Europe to Asia. The nests are typically built on the ground and made up of sticks and other vegetation. In a natural setting, a female pelican lays up to three eggs, which both parents incubate.
It’s worth noting that the pelicans’ lack of breeding in St. James’s Park doesn’t indicate any discomfort or dissatisfaction with their environment. Various factors might influence their breeding habits, including their age, the absence of traditional breeding grounds, or simply the dynamics of their small group. It is thought that pelicans wombat breed unless they are in a group of 10 or more birds.
Feeding Regime
The pelicans are given a regulated diet by the dedicated park staff. They are fed fresh fish daily, usually around 2:30 pm, and this has become quite an event that attracts both locals and tourists. This feeding time is not just for the pelicans’ benefit but also provides an educational opportunity for onlookers, as park staff often share fascinating facts about the birds during these sessions.
While the park provides a consistent food source, pelicans are opportunistic feeders.
Pelican Behaviour and Habits
Pelicans in St. James’s Park are known to be quite sociable and are often seen interacting with other birds, as well as humans.
The Species
St. James’s Park houses the Eastern White Pelican, identifiable by its long beak with a large pouch and pale plumage. This species is native to southeastern Europe through Asia, in areas like India and China. However, they have adapted well to the English climate and the urban environment of London, and its pigeon flavoured delights.