Pelecanus philippensis
Spot-Billed Pelican
BirdBest Season: Jun–Oct
Best locations
21
Expert creators
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Field Reports (12 months)
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(c) Chotipong Sinayruraj, all rights reserved, uploaded by Chotipong Sinayruraj
About this species
The Spot-Billed Pelican is India's most common pelican — a large colonial waterbird that breeds in trees over or near water. Its pink bill with distinctive blue-grey spots and pink pouch are diagnostic. Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary in Karnataka is arguably India's best spot, with hundreds of nesting pelicans within arm's reach. Watch Spot-Billed Pelicans nesting at Ranganthittu. Colonial waterbird guide and best birding sanctuaries in south India.
Field Reports
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Best locations for Spot-Billed Pelican
Reserves and landscapes where our photographers reliably encounter this species, with links to place-specific guides.
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When and Where to Photograph Spot-Billed Pelican
The Spot-Billed Pelican is India's most common pelican — a large colonial waterbird that breeds in trees over or near water. Its pink bill with distinctive blue-grey spots and pink pouch are diagnostic. Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary in Karnataka is arguably India's best spot, with hundreds of nesting pelicans within arm's reach. Watch Spot-Billed Pelicans nesting at Ranganthittu. Colonial waterbird guide and best birding sanctuaries in south India.
Plan field days around Jun–Oct: light is often strongest at dawn and dusk, when many mammals and birds are most active. Work with a naturalist who knows local movement patterns — they will position you ethically while improving your odds of a encounter in Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary.