In areas where both the Great White Pelican and the Dalmatian Pelican occur (such as Moldova), they are sometimes difficult to distinguish.
However, the Dalmatian Pelican has a light iris, whereas the Great White Pelican has a dark iris (clearly visible in the photos).
Furthermore, the throat pouch of the Dalmatian Pelican is orange-red; in the Great White Pelican, it is yellow.

Lake Belau, Lower Prut Nature Reserve, Moldova, 24 April 2026