Spot-Billed PelicanPelecanus philippensisWhere and when to see them

The spot-billed pelican is a large waterbird native to South and Southeast Asia. Its name refers to the dark spots on its upper bill, a useful identification feature in adults. It depends on productive wetlands for feeding and secure trees for nesting. In the Mekong basin, Cambodia's Tonle Sap lake and floodplain provide particularly important habitat. Wetland degradation, disturbance and the loss of nesting trees threaten its populations.

Size

125–152 cm long, with a wingspan of approximately 213–250 cm.

Weight

Approximately 4.1–6 kg.

Lifespan

Lifespan in the wild is not well established.

Status

Near Threatened.

Spot-billed pelicans are social birds that often gather to feed, rest and breed. They usually catch fish while swimming, dipping the bill and expanding the throat pouch beneath the surface. Small groups sometimes feed together, although solitary feeding also occurs. Unlike brown pelicans, they do not normally plunge-dive from the air. In flight, they alternate strong wingbeats with gliding and may soar on rising warm air. They nest colonially in trees, sometimes alongside storks, herons and other waterbirds. Both parents incubate the eggs and feed the chicks.

• Its spotted upper bill gives the species its common name.
• Pelicans incubate their eggs beneath their large webbed feet.
• Its scientific name refers to the Philippines, where it is now considered locally extinct.
• Its throat pouch expands to scoop up fish and water.

Wildlife opportunities depend on the river reach, water levels and species. River-specific viewing months have not been confirmed; general species seasons are not a local sighting forecast.

This species uses shallow lakes, marshes, reservoirs, floodplains and slow-moving rivers. It also occurs in brackish lagoons and estuaries. Feeding areas need accessible fish, while breeding colonies require suitable trees close enough to productive wetlands. In the Mekong system, the seasonally flooded forests and open waters around Tonle Sap are especially important. It is not a bird to expect uniformly along the main river channel.

Fish form the great majority of the diet. The expandable throat pouch acts as a scoop rather than a permanent food-storage bag. After a catch, the bird drains water from its bill before swallowing the prey. Crustaceans and other small aquatic animals may also be taken.

Common name

Spot-Billed Pelican

Scientific name

Pelecanus philippensis

Animal group

Birds

Size

125–152 cm long, with a wingspan of approximately 213–250 cm.

Weight

Approximately 4.1–6 kg.

Lifespan

Lifespan in the wild is not well established.

Status

Near Threatened.

Identification

Look for a very large, pale greyish-white waterbird with a long bill, a large throat pouch and short legs. Adults show dark spots along the upper bill and a shaggy crest on the hindneck. In flight, dark flight feathers contrast with the paler body and wing coverts, and the neck is held folded back. Young birds are browner and lack the adults' conspicuous bill spotting, making identification less straightforward.