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The Australian pelican is the largest of the pelican family, with a wingspan of 8 feet (2.4m) and a bill around 19 inches (48cm) in length. They are widespread in inland and coastal waters in Australia. They are also found in New Guinea, Fiji and parts of Indonesia. The odd vagrant has made it across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand. While appearing to be clumsy on land, they are masters of the air and I love watching them riding the thermals above the hill behind my house.