Not only is the Dalmatian Pelican the largest species of the eight extant pelican species but also the largest freshwater bird. Additionally, it is one of the five largest flying birds in Asia.
Listed as "Near Threatened", the species is found across Central Eurasia. The population of the species has declined dramatically over the last few decades to under 20,000 individuals. The primary cause of this decline has been attributed to the drainage of wetlands and land development.
The Dalmatian Pelican is one of the three pelican species found in India, with the other two being the Great White Pelican and Spot Billed Pelican. Both the Great White and Dalmatian Pelican are winter migrants to northern and western India while the Spot Billed Pelican is a resident of south India.