Western Australia is the largest state in Australia and the second largest sub-division in the world; Russia’s Sakha Republic is larger. The city of Perth, located on the southwestern coast of Western Australia, served as the administrative center for the Swan River Colony, a British settlement established by James Stirling in 1829.
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Pelecanus conspicillatus - Breeding season for the Australian pelican varies between the northern and southern coasts of Australia. Birds start breeding at 2 to 3 years of age. Large colonies of paired couples build shallow ground nests on islands or in sheltered areas near water. A nest can contain up to 4 eggs, but 2 are the usual number laid. The chicks hatch after an incubation period of about 33 days. Feeding is concentrated on the largest chick; the smaller ones are left to starve or become victims of siblicide, a behavior found primarily in birds.
