Spot-Billed Pelican
Pelecanus philippensis
Aves › Pelecaniformes › Pelecanidae › Pelecanus
Conservation status: near_threatened
This rather large water bird catches fish in its huge bill pouch while swimming at the surface. It is a member of the pelican family. The species is a colonial breeder.
How To Identify
It is a large pelican with striking white plumage and black accents. Its key identifier is the distinct dark spot on its bill near the face.
Habitat
It typically inhabits large freshwater lakes, rivers, and coastal lagoons across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
Behaviour
These pelicans are highly gregarious, often fishing cooperatively in groups by driving fish into shallow waters where they can be easily caught with their large bills.
Native Range
The spot-billed pelican is native to southern Asia, breeding from southern Iran across India east to Indonesia.
Did You Know?
Spot-billed Pelicans can hold up to 13 liters of water in their throat pouch—more than three times what their stomach can hold. They use this remarkable pouch not just for fishing but also to regulate their body temperature by evaporative cooling.
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