The Pelecanus rufescens, also popularly known as the pink-backed pelican, is commonly found in Africa, and some parts of Arabia. This species of pelicans is said to be extinct in swampy areas and very small lakes, and in Madagascar. These are places where they used to inhabit in the past, but due to human activities which have led to effects like pollution of their habitats, depletion of water bodies, and outright population depletion of the pelicans from hunting, they are no longer to be found in these aforementioned regions. Other human activities that may have affected the distribution and population of these pelicans include construction activities in a bid to develop societies into towns and cities, fishing for commercial purposes and other human actions.

The nest of the pink-backed pelican is usually a pile of sticks which can contain two or three white eggs when they are laid. The period of incubation for pink-back pelicans usually lasts about one month. This pelican feeds on fish, frogs and other small water animals, and they often fish in groups. The chicks eat by dipping their heads aggressively inside the adult’s pouch and taking the partly digested fish, which forms their diet. The adults have elongated feathers on their heads.

The pink-backed pelican is relatively small, and it has also been observed to be boring and dull as compared to the great white pelican. Its feathers are grayish and white, with a characteristic pink backside. The tip of its beak is yellow in colour, and its pouch is grayish in colour.

The pink-backed pelicans are much more widespread than the white pelican, and they can be found in just about any water body which contains fish, with an exception of sea water. Its pink back can only be seen when the pelican is flying, and its pouch is greyish in colour. The pink-back pelican is among the smallest pelicans. It has a combined colouration of white, grey and pink, with dark greyish tips of the wings. Adult pink-back pelicans have long feather protrusions on their napes. However, they have a long bill similar to other pelicans, with a big pouch underneath the throat.

The pink-back pelican eat tiny amphibians and invertebrates, although their main meal is fish. These pelicans dip their heads into the water while afloat the surface, to grab their prey. In this process, the pouch traps food, and water. The water is then discarded, and the prey is swallowed. Only the brown pelicans are known to dive into the water from the air to feed. Sometimes, the pink-back pelican may go to dry areas to feed on insects, particularly locusts.

These pelicans often fish in flocks by forming a systematic column, and they sometimes end up surrounding their prey. They would then dip their heads in water all at once, an antic which confuses and scares their prey, which is then easily collected in their pouches. The pink-back pelican is generally a quiet pelican, and it only makes minimal sounds.