Spot-Billed Pelican
Pelecanus philippensis
About the Spot-Billed Pelican
The spot-billed pelican is a large water bird standing about 4 feet tall with a wingspan of 8 feet. It is grey-white with a distinctive pouch under its bill and spots on its upper mandible during the breeding season. Unlike the dramatic plunge-diving of brown pelicans, spot-billed pelicans fish by cooperative surface-feeding — groups work together to herd fish into shallow water, then scoop them up in their expandable throat pouches.
Wilpattu Significance
Spot-billed pelicans are regular visitors to Wilpattu's larger villus. They are most often seen at Lunuwewa, where groups of 5-15 individuals engage in cooperative feeding. Their feeding technique is mesmerizing — they swim in a coordinated line, herding fish before dipping their pouches in unison. They nest in colonies in nearby trees, often alongside painted storks and cormorants.
Conservation Status
Near Threatened (IUCN). Wetland degradation is the primary threat. Wilpattu's protected villus provide critical habitat.
Best Season to See
Year-round, but most common during the dry season (May-September) when fish concentrate in shrinking villus.
Best Locations in Wilpattu
- Lunuwewa Villu
- Kokkare Villu
- Mahaweva Villu
Viewing Tips
- 1Watch for cooperative feeding groups — they swim in coordinated lines
- 2After a successful scoop, they tip their head back to drain water before swallowing
- 3Their throat pouches expand dramatically when they scoop fish
- 4Late afternoon is when feeding activity peaks
Photography Tips
- A pelican with a full throat pouch is a classic wildlife image
- Group feeding sequences capture the cooperative behaviour
- Late afternoon light on the water creates reflections with feeding pelicans
- A pelican banking in flight shows the enormous wingspan
Did You Know?
A spot-billed pelican's throat pouch can hold up to three times as much as its stomach — about 12 litres of fish and water. It drains the water before swallowing, and can hold fish in its pouch for several minutes while digesting.
Ready to see the Spot-Billed Pelican in the wild? Book a Wilpattu safari with expert naturalists who know exactly where and when to find them.