Spot-billed Pelican

1. Bird Name
The Spot-billed Pelican, with its scientific name Pelecanus philippensis, fascinatingly belongs to the Pelican family, Pelecanidae.

2. Appearance
Spot-billed Pelicans get their name from the gray spots on their pale pink bills. The rest of the body has predominately white to grayish-white plumage, with darker grey on its wings and tail. Adults have a characteristic hind-neck crest consisting of wispy, straw-colored feathers. The eyes are surrounded by a thin patch of bare skin, which is yellow. No distinct differences in physical appearance exist between males and females, with both sexes featuring similar plumage throughout the year.

3. Size
These magnificent birds can reach an average length of 125 to 152 cm or 49 to 60 inches. They have a long wingspan ranging from 6.2 to 8.25 feet or 1.9 to 2.5 meters. A typical adult Spot-billed Pelican weighs between 4.1 and 6 kilograms.

4. Habitat & Distribution
The Spot-billed Pelican is found primarily in South Asia and Southeast Asia, inhabiting wetlands such as swamps, and large bodies of shallow water like lakes. Countries like India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam are some of the prominent places where these birds are found. They prefer to live in large colonies, which are often situated near villages.

5. Interesting Facts
Interestingly enough, Spot-billed Pelicans are known to engage in cooperative fishing, where a group of pelicans will herd fish into shallow waters for easy pickings. This bird also has cultural significance in Cambodia, representing one of the Royal symbols.

6. Diet
Spot-billed Pelican’s diet primarily comprises fish. However, it also eats amphibians and crustaceans. Its bill allows it to scoop up its prey from the water with ease.

7. Behavior & Sounds
The Spot-billed Pelican nests in trees, often in large colonies, creating a harmonious community of birds. Their flight pattern consists of steady, powerful wing beats. Their voice is a deep “honk” in flight and a variety of grunts and hisses while feeding and during courtship.

8. Conservation Status
The Spot-billed Pelican is currently listed as Near Threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List due to habitat loss, pollution, and human interference.

9. Lifespan
On average, the Spot-billed Pelican lives up to 15 to 25 years in the wild, and this lifespan can potentially increase if the bird is in captivity due to fewer environmental risks and medical care.

10. Additional Notes
In the Sinhalese language of Sri Lanka, the Spot-billed Pelican is known as “Kawa Wathu,” which translates to ‘water turkey.’ As for their role in ecosystems, they play a crucial part in maintaining the balance by controlling fish populations.

Despite their status and declining populations, Spot-billed Pelicans are not often timid around humans and have been known to nest and live near populated areas. Thus, raising awareness and taking necessary measures to conserve these beautiful birds is vital.