Pelecanus philippensis
Spot-Billed Pelican
BirdBest Season: Jun–Oct
Best locations
14
Expert creators
0
Field Reports (12 months)
0
(c) Anuvinda_D., some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Anuvinda_D.
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
0 total reports
No field reports yet for this species.
Best locations for Spot-Billed Pelican
Reserves and landscapes where our photographers reliably encounter this species, with links to place-specific guides.
Wildlife Creators Specialising in Spot-Billed Pelican
View allNo specialists are listed yet — try our search for nearby creators.
Upcoming Trips Targeting Spot-Billed Pelican
No active trips are targeting this species right now — ask a guide on our search page.
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.