Pelecanus philippensis
The Spot-billed Pelican, *Pelecanus philippensis*, is a stately waterbird of the Pelecanidae family, distinguished by its relatively modest size and unique bill markings. Averaging 125-152 cm (49-60 in) in length with a wingspan of 220-250 cm (87-98 in) and weighing 4.1-6 kg (9-13 lbs), it is predominantly pale grey and white. Its most striking field mark, and the source of its name, is the series of dark spots on the upper mandible and a pale pinkish or purplish pouch with darker blotches. A...
This species primarily inhabits shallow freshwater and brackish wetlands, including large lakes, rivers, coastal lagoons, and reservoirs, generally at low elevations.
The Spot-billed Pelican feeds almost exclusively on fish, employing a distinctive communal scooping method in shallow waters.
Spot-billed Pelicans are highly social, typically foraging, roosting, and breeding in colonies. They are diurnal, spending much of the day fishing and often roosting communally in large trees or on isolated sandbanks. Their primary foraging strategy involves cooperative fishing, where groups of b...
The Spot-billed Pelican is native to South and Southeast Asia. Its core breeding range encompasses much of India and Sri Lanka, extending eastward through parts of Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, southern Vietnam, and western Malaysia, with isolated populations in Sumatra, Indonesia. Historic...
Near Threatened
- The "philippensis" in its scientific name comes from the Philippines, where it was once common but is now extinct as a breeding species, only occurring as a rare vagrant. - Its distinctive spotted bill is unique among all pelican species globally, making it easily identifiable in the field. - S...