This pelican remains focused as it expertly catches a fish in its bill while perching on the side of a rowing boat. 

The striking creature demonstrates its flexible beak – opening out into a large pouch that acts like a net to catch food. 

The Dalmatian pelican was photographed by Alison Jenkins, 44, from Hertfordshire on Lake Kerkini, Greece, while she was on holiday.

During the colder months, Dalmatian pelicans will follow boats for food, which can otherwise be hard to come by because of the lake’s high pelican population. 

The water birds had been in decline because they kept accidentally hitting power lines and wind turbines, but work over the last few years to reduce incidents has enabled them to make a comeback. 

Ms Jenkins said: “My favourite thing is the expression on the pelican, it is cheeky, hilarious and expectant. The hairstyle makes me laugh the most. They are fascinating and I have studied and read up a lot about them. I bore my husband to death talking about them.”