Dalmatian Pelican Spotted in Sweden for First Time

A never before seen bird species in Sweden – a Dalmatian pelican – has settled in the test lake by the nuclear power plant in Forsmark in Uppland, writes UNT. The bird, which is believed to be a real wild bird, has during the summer visited several places in Sweden.

» Updated: August 09 2025

» Published: August 09 2025

Dalmatian Pelican Spotted in Sweden for First Time
Photo: Thanasssis Stavrakis/AP/TT

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It does not seem to be an escapee. It has, for example, no ring or such, says Anders Wirdheim, information officer at Birdlife Sweden, Sweden's ornithological association.

The closest breeding area for the Dalmatian pelican is Romania and Greece in Southeastern Europe.

It is strange because it first appeared at Storsjön in Jämtland, of all places. It was in the beginning of June. Then it was for a while on Frösön outside Östersund, before it appeared on Åland. Then it was in the Gävle area, whereafter it was seen on Röst up by Lofoten in Norway. Now it has been staying for a while at Forsmark, says Wirdheim.

The pelican has caused a lot of commotion, not least among birdwatchers.

When it appeared in Gävle, 500 people came to see it, says Wirdheim.

The pelican is not the only remarkable bird visit in Sweden this year. A ring-billed gull, a rare visitor from North America, has spent almost the entire summer in Kungsträdgården in Stockholm.

It was discovered by chance by a birdwatcher who happened to pass by an older lady who was sitting and feeding seagulls at a park bench, says Wirdheim.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

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