Spot Billed Pelican

Pelecanus philippensis 140cm

Pulli Alagu Koozhaikkada in Tamil (புள்ளி அலகு கூழைக்கடா)

Resident. Widespread in non breeding season. Much smaller than Great White and Dalmatian, with dingier appearance, rather uniform pinkish bill and pouch (except in breeding condition) and black spotting on upper mandible (except juveniles). Tufted crest/hindneck usually apparent even on young birds. Underwing pattern similar to that of Dalmatian showing little contrast between wing coverts and flight feathers and with paler greater coverts producing distinct central panel. Adult breeding has cinnamon pink rump, underwing coverts and undertaidl coverts; head and neck appear greyish; has purplish skin in front of eye,and pouch is pink to dull purple and blotched with black. Adult non-breeding dirtier greyish white, with pouch pinkish. Immature has variable grey brown markings on upperparts. Juvenile has brownish head and neck, brown mantle and upperwing coverts (fringed with pale buff) and brown flight feathers; spotting on bill initially lacking. Large inland and coastal waters.