Spot-billed Pelican

The spot-billed pelican, also known as the grey pelican (Pelecanus philippensis), is a large waterbird belonging to the pelican family. It is primarily found in South and Southeast Asia. This species is relatively small compared to other members of its family, with a body length ranging from 127 to 140 cm, an approximate weight of 6 kg, and a wingspan of 1.7 to 1.9 meters.

They usually nest near lakes, rivers, and marshy areas. Major populations are concentrated in India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Indonesia. These birds nest in large colonies, typically on trees or in dense vegetation close to water.

From a distance, they can be difficult to distinguish from other regional pelican species. However, they are mostly dirty white in color, with a grey crest on the head, a greyish back of the neck, and a grey tail. During the breeding season, their plumage develops a pinkish hue on the tail and under the wings.

Spot-billed pelicans feed mainly on fish, which they catch using their distinctive beak with a flexible throat pouch. They often hunt in groups, herding fish into shallow waters.

As of today, the spot-billed pelican is listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List. The primary threats to the species include habitat loss, water pollution, and human activity. Conservation efforts are focused on preserving nesting sites and mitigating negative impacts on the population.

P.S. Image attribution: Image by TheoRivierenlaan from Pixabay