Spot-billed pelican

[Pelecanus philippensis]

The spot-billed pelican or grey pelican (Pelecanus philippensis) is a member of the pelican family. It breeds in southern Asia from southern Pakistan across India east to Indonesia. It is a bird of large inland and coastal waters, especially large lakes. At a distance they are difficult to differentiate from other pelicans in the region although it is smaller but at close range the spots on the upper mandible, the lack of bright colours and the greyer plumage are distinctive. In some areas these birds nest in large colonies close to human habitations.

 

in flight

Spot-billed Pelican
  • Prominent bill
  • Prominent crest
  • Largely Ashy Grey, Blue Grey or Slaty

Size: Vulture 91± cm.

Predominant Colours: brownish white

Associated Colours: brown nuchal crest

Bill Length: 35 cm.

Bill Shape & Colour: long, flat with elastic bag below, spotted