Spot-billed Pelican Research Articles

Species composition, diversity and foraging guilds of avifauna in two freshwater lakes of Mysore district, Karnataka, India

Abstract We conducted the present study in two freshwater lakes in the Mysore district of Karnataka, India, from December 2023 to May 2024, with the aim of evaluating the diversity, relative abundance, and feeding guilds of avifauna in Giribetta and Hadinaru lakes. The “point count” method was used to evaluate the species composition of birds. A total of 5,790 individuals, representing 106 species from 18 orders and 48 families, were recorded. Four species were in the near-threatened category: Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala), Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus), Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster), and Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis), while the others were of least concern. In terms of species richness, Giribetta Lake had 87 species belonging to 18 orders and 42 families, as compared to Hadinaru Lake, which had 86 species from 16 orders and 40 families. The two areas had similar species composition, with a Sorenson index of 76.3% and a Jaccard index of 61.7%, which indicates that the species diversity is fairly similar across the habitats. Based on the diet and foraging habitat, the recorded bird species were classified into eight major feeding guilds, which revealed a higher abundance of carnivorous and insectivorous birds, followed by omnivorous, granivorous, frugivorous, nectarivorous, herbivorous, and mixed guild types. It is expected that this study will provide a preliminary database for the waterbirds of this area, useful for further research and assessment.

Seasonal Dynamics and Avian Diversity along the Adyar Riverbank: Insights from a Year-Long Survey

The avian survey conducted along the Adyar Riverbank (Manapakkam) from January 2023 to December 2023 documented a total of 3120 individual birds across 75 species from 16 avian orders, highlighting the significant biodiversity within this urban ecosystem. This study aimed to assess seasonal variations in bird diversity and abundance, emphasizing the river’s role as an important habitat. The highest diversity was observed during winter, specifically in February 2023, with a diversity index of 296.80 and a Simpson’s index of 0.22. A total of 36 species and 636 individuals were recorded. In contrast, the lowest diversity was observed in summer, particularly in July 2023, with a diversity index of 29.29 and a Simpson’s index of 0.05, corresponding to 18 species and 114 individuals. The monsoon and post-monsoon periods exhibited a prominent increase in diversity due to the arrival of migratory species and improved habitat conditions. Important species recorded throughout the year included the Paddy Field Pipit, House Crow, and Rufous Treepie, while conservation-significant species such as the Black-headed Ibis and Spot-billed Pelican were also observed. Thus, the present study underscores the Adyar River’s ecological importance and highlights the need for continuous monitoring and targeted conservation efforts to maintain avian biodiversity in urban river ecosystems.

Diversity and Abundance of Wetland Birds in Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary, Tiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu, India

Wetland birds are integral components of wetland ecosystems, providing ecological, economic, cultural, and regulatory benefits. The study conducted from 2021 to 2024 in the Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary of Tiruvarur district aimed to assess year-wise species diversity, richness, relative diversity, evenness, density, and relative abundance of wetland birds employing the total count method to estimate the population of wetland birds. A total of 104 bird species belonging 18 orders and 49 families were recorded. During this study, 17 species were migrant, while the remaining 87 birds were resident. Three bird species were classified as Near Threatened, including the Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis), Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanosephalus), and Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster). Additionally, two bird species were classified as Vulnerable, namely the Greater Spotted Eagle (Clanga clanga) and River Tern (Sterna hirundo), while 99 bird species were classified as Least Concern. Regarding species diversity in the Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary during different years, the highest species diversity was recorded in 2021 (2.75), while the lowest species diversity was observed in 2024 (1.64). In terms of species richness, the maximum richness was observed in 2023 (68), whereas the minimum species richness was recorded in 2022 (29).

Status, Diversity and Species Composition of Wetland Birds on Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary, Tiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu, India

Birds serve as the best indicators of wetland function and as measures of success in wetland management, restoration, and creation. This study was conducted from 2022 to 2024 in the Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary of Tiruvarur district, employing the total count method to estimate the population of wetland birds. Year-wise species diversity, richness, relative diversity, evenness, density, and relative abundance were calculated. A total of 147 bird species belonging to 48 families and 18 orders were recorded. The maximum diversity and evenness were observed in 2024 (3.05 and 0.37), while the minimum values were recorded in 2023 (2.11 and 0.21). The total density was highest in 2023 (162.68/ha) and lowest in 2024 (27.82/ha), and species richness peaked in 2022 (117) and was lowest in 2024 (84). This sanctuary complex supports three IUCN Red-listed, four Near Threatened species: Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea), Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis), Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanosephalus), and Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster), two vulnerable species: Yellow-throated Bulbul (Pycnonotus xantholaemus) and River Tern (Sterna hirundo), and one Endangered species – Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongolus). This paper provides an overview of the current status and the IUCN status of wetland birds within the study area.

Tweeting Trends: Unmasking the Birds of Madurai South, Tamil Nadu, India

Wetlands, acting as complex ecosystems bridging aquatic and terrestrial habitats, play a vital role in avian conservation. Despite the extensive use of bird communities in biodiversity conservation, there is a notable lacunae in baseline data, particularly for common avian species. This study aims to address this knowledge gap, providing a foundational dataset for avifauna in the wetlands of Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The survey conducted from January 2022 to December 2023 covered five wetlands: Madakulam, Thenkarai, Koothiyarkundu, Avaniyapuram, and Samanatham. A total of 151 species belonging to 55 families have been observed during the study period. The results highlight the prevalence of Passeriformes, with 51 species. Among the study sites, Samanatham recorded the highest species count, with 124 species, while Thenkarai site recorded the lowest with 82 species. Analysis of feeding guild revealed a diverse range of feeding habits, with 36% being insectivores. The analysis of relative abundance showed that 55% of the population is common (C), and concurrent analysis revealed 64% as residents and 27% being winter visitors. Notably, eight “Nearly threatened” such as Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus, Osprey Pandion haliaetus, Bar Tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica, Black Tailed Godwit Limosa limosa, Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster, Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala, Spot Billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis, Black Headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus and three “Vulnerable” species, such as the River Tern Sterna aurantia, Greater Spotted Eagle Clanga clanga and Indian Spotted Eagle Clanga hastata, were observed. Throughout the study period, the months of March and April recorded the highest number of individuals across all study sites. A noticeable correlation between the abundance of microhabitats within the wetlands and the concentration of individuals was observed in the Madakulam site. In conclusion, this study serves as a critical step in addressing the dearth of baseline data for avian diversity in Madurai's wetlands. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of ecological dynamics and provide essential information for effective conservation strategies. To ensure a comprehensive approach in safeguarding the delicate balance within wetland ecosystems, ongoing monitoring will extend to environmental conditions, vegetation dynamics, other biotic resources, and potential threats to the avifauna.

Urban Sky Roosts: The Unconventional Adaptation of Spot-billed Pelicans to Anthropogenic Structures

The expansion of urban areas has raised significant concerns about its impact on the bird community, particularly wetland-dependent species. The transformation of natural habitats into urban areas presents unique challenges and alternatives for these species, requiring a reassessment of conventional conservation paradigms. Among these species, the Spot-billed Pelican (classified as 'Near Threatened' by the IUCN and listed under schedule-IV of the IWPA) is a wetland-dependent bird indigenous to India. Instead of preferring natural habitats (wetlands), it now prefers urban habitats for roosting and nesting. The species has also been observed to prefer telecom towers for roosting and courtship during the breeding season. This observation is one of the first to lead to an understanding of the behavioural plasticity of wetland bird species towards adaptation in an anthropogenic setting. This suggests an early warning sign of habitat degradation in their historical breeding and feeding grounds in neighbouring states. The likely reason for the congregation's selection of these anthropogenic structures may be related to resource availability, adjacent feeding grounds and/or habitat suitability. Records of this type should open up avenues for addressing the problem and developing strategies for careful management of breeding sites in artificial structures.

Importance of conserving a critical wintering ground for shorebirds in the Valinokkam Lagoon—a first study of the avifaunal distribution of the southeastern coast of India

Any new economic activity in a virgin area brings landscape changes, making it essential to document baseline biodiversity areas to understand the impacts on habitats. Avifaunal inventories are critical for previously undocumented areas, especially in a wintering site for shorebirds in the Central Asian Flyway, to formulate site- and species-specific conservation management tools. We present an annotated checklist of avifauna from the Valinokkam Lagoon in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu. We recorded the first baseline avifaunal data for 154 species belonging to 16 orders and 46 families from August 2016 to February 2023. Order-wise, Charadriiformes dominated the study site with 47 species; followed by Passeriformes with 39 species and Pelecaniformes with 20 species. Winter visitors constituted 37.6 % (58 species) and one Passage Migrant Rosy Starling Pastor roseus. The relative abundance indicated that 94 species were C (common), 41 species were UC (uncommon), and 19 species were Ra (rare). Eleven Near Threatened (NT) species: Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster, Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala, Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus, Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis, Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa, Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica, Great Stone-curlew Esacus recurvirostris, Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata, Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea, Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis and Red Knot Calidris canutus, one Endangered (EN) species Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris, and one unassessed Hanuman Plover Charadrius seebohmi according to the IUCN Red List category. This baseline data highlights the importance of Valinokkam Lagoon as an important wintering site in the Central Asian Flyway on the southeast coast of India for migratory shorebirds and the need for more conservation priorities for regional endemic birds like Hanuman Plover.
 

Bird diversity of in and around Melamadai Lake Madurai city, Tamil Nadu state, India; A preliminary study

Fresh water Lakes are suitable habitat for birds along with food and water. In the present study an attempt has been made to assess the diversity of avian fauna in Melamadai Lake in Madurai district, Tamilnadu state. The duration of study period in January 2021 to December 2021. Eighty-four species of birds were observed, belonging to 41 families, 18 order in Melamadai lake. In this study recorded in Least concern (LC) 79 species and Near Threatened (NT)Five species. The five Near Threatened species - Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster ), Pied Cuckoo-dove(Reinwardtoena browni ), Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis), Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) and Painted Stork-(Mycteria leucocephala)- are protected under Schedule IV of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The diversity of avifauna is taken for identifying the importance of biodiversity for Madurai which is among the top ten tourism sites of world. The role of urban areas in functions such as provision of ecosystem services will largely be determined by patterns of biodiversity within that area.

Long-term monitoring of pelicans in National Chambal Sanctuary, India

Monitoring of Gharial Gavialis gangeticus in National Chambal Sanctuary (NCS) since 1983 has resulted in collection of data on other ecological associates, located between 25.8474–26.4389 0N, 76.5645–79.2132 0E. One such beneficiary of this long term monitoring program are the pelicans, locally called ‘Hawaseel’. Pelican species visiting Chambal from November to March include the Dalmatian Pelecanus crispus, Great White Pelecanus onocrotalus, and Spot-billed Pelecanus philippensis. Species-wise separation of pelicans at the sites of congregation is often difficult. The total number of pelicans counted during the annual census from 2003 to 2016 was 4,429. The study area extends over 435 km comprising 12 study zones, 99% counts were made in the study zones X, XI and XII. These zones stretch over 115 km that occur near the confluence of Chambal with river Yamuna. Here, the river is deep. Other large birds seen with the pelican squadrons are groups of Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala, Nakta or Comb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos, and the Greylag Goose Anser anser. Other large birds seen on the riverbanks were the Common Crane Grus grus, Sarus Crane Grus antigon, Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus species, and Demoiselle Crane Grus virgo. The study provides a baseline about the population of pelicans and the availability of large wetland birds in NCS. The biodiversity significance of NCS got highlighted because of the ongoing gharial conservation programme. The Chambal River Sanctuary is a composite unit of several un-notified ‘core areas’. The sanctuary fulfills six of the nine criteria for possible consideration as an international Ramsar Wetland.

Preferential plant material used for nest construction by Pelecanus philippensis and Mycteria leucocephala at Telineelapuram Pelicanry

Preferential plant material used for nest construction by Pelecanus philippensis and Mycteria leucocephala at Telineelapuram Pelicanry

Feeding Congregation of the Near-threatened Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis in Pulicat lake, Andhra Pradesh, India

Feeding Congregation of the Near-threatened Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis in Pulicat lake, Andhra Pradesh, India

Resting and roosting requirements of the near - threatened spot-billed pelican Pelecanus philippensis Gmelin 1789, in Pulicat Lake, Andhra Pradesh, India

Resting and roosting requirements of the near - threatened spot-billed pelican Pelecanus philippensis Gmelin 1789, in Pulicat Lake, Andhra Pradesh, India

First definite record of Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola Linnaeus, 1766 (Aves: Charadriiformes: Glareolidae) from Goa, India

Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola has been recorded from various regions in southern India and is known to be a two way passage migrant to Western Ghats. However, this species had not been included in Goa’s avifaunal checklist since the old records for the bird could not be confirmed. Hence, the present sighting of this bird at Maina-Curtorim fields, Goa qualifies as the first definite record for Goa. During the period 2013–2021, three birds namely the Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis, Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor and Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris were spotted within one-kilometer radius of the Maina-Curtorim wetlands and added to the avifaunal checklist of Goa. This offers an opportunity for additional surveys to establish the migratory route and also highlights the conservational value of the region.

Simultaneous detection of velogenic Newcastle disease virus of genotype XIII 2.2 from spot-billed pelicanand backyard chicken: implications to the viral maintenance and spread.

Despite the widespread occurence of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in different avian species, there has been scanty reports on genetic characterization of NDV strains from wild birds in India. During 2017-18, atotal of forty eight cloacal swab samples were collected from apparently healthy migratory birds (painted storks, n=32 and spot-billed pelicans, n=16) at the Telineelapuram bird sanctuary of Andhra Pradesh, India. NDV was isolated from aspot-billed pelican (NDV/Pelican/Telineelapuram/2018) which is genetically identical to that isolated from anaturally infected backyard chicken flock (NDV/Chicken/SKLM-1/2018). The isolates are found to be velogenic based on mean death time, intracerebral pathogenicity index and the putative fusion protein cleavage site (112R-R-R-K-R-F117). Phylogenetic analysis based on full-length fusion gene classified the isolates into genotype XIII, sub-genotype 2.2, however these isolates demonstrated multiple amino acid substitutions in the critical domains of Fand HN proteins. The pelican strain (MIG-9) was tested for its pathogenic and transmission potential in three-weeks-old broiler chickens and the isolate proved to be highly virulent to chickens. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first evidence for the role of spot-billed pelicans in the maintenance of virulent NDV and its transmission to chickens in India. This study further highlights the role of wild birds in NDV transmission and the need for enhanced biosecurity in commercial poultry operations. Keywords: Newcastle disease virus; Pelecanus philippensis; chicken; transmission; pathogenicity; India.

Three Globally Threatened Waterbird Species in Pokkali Farming, Central Kerala

The documentation of Waterbird communities in Pokali wetland was carried out during the winter season 2021-2022. A total of 48 species of birds were recorded from the pokali wetland. During present study, 31 species of waterbirds were recorded. Waterbirds belong to 8 orders and 14 families. In addition, we can count the terrestrial bird species (17 species). All bird species are included in Least Concern except three species of the IUCN Category. Three bird species are Near Threatened birds and these are recorded from Pokali wetland. They are: Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster), Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis) and Black headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus). Many factors, which threaten the birds in pokali wetland and it affects the decreasing level of bird population. These factors are: Habitat loss, High water level like flood, Climate change, poaching or hunting of birds, Electric lines, Nets used for fishing activities, loss of employees, Predators, Plastics and other types of pollution, etc. Most threats to birds are the cause of human actions.

Avifaunal Diversity of Swamythoopu Salt Pan, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India

: In the present study, an attempt was made to find out the Avifaunal diversity in Swamythoopu salt pan, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India. The study was carried out using point count methods with 14 points during the study period from Jan 2021 to March 2021. 3158 birds belongs to 39 families of 15 avian orders were observed from the study area. Passeriformes alone accounted for 25 species of birds observed during the study period. The migratory status of the birds in Swamythoopu salt pan revealed that most of the birds were resident (67) and the winter migrants were around 20 species. The greater number of individuals was observed at the S5 site with 411 individuals and the lowest was 117 individuals. Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensisa “Globally threatened” species were recorded in the study area were considered as “Near threatened” species. Anhinga rufa, Threskiornis melanocephalus Mycteria leucocephala, Plegadis falcinellus, Platalea leucorodia were also documented in the study area.

Further Evidence for the Past Residency of Spot-Billed Pelicans (Pelecaniformes: Pelecanus philippensis) in China

The Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis) is a threatened species of Pelecanidae that was extirpated during the 20th century across much of its Asian geographic distribution, including in the Philippines and China. The idea that this species did not reside in China is in conflict with published reports from the early 20th century and data from museum specimens. Verification of additional museum specimens as Spot-billed Pelicans includes the first record of the species in Sichuan Province, over 600 km from the nearest coastline, and additional occurrence in November, December, and June within China. These verified specimens document the Spot-billed Pelican in China across eight months of the year (in all seasons), including five of the seven months of the typical breeding season. These data overlap with published reports of residency in coastal areas of China (particularly Fujian Province), and also suggest a wider (interior) past geographic distribution in China, contrasting with ideas that the species was restricted solely to coastal regions.

Status of biodiversity and limno-chemistry of Deepor Beel, a Ramsar site of international importance: Conservation needs and the way forward

Abstract Deepor Beel is a prominent floodplain wetland and a Ramsar site of northeastern (NE) India (Ramsar site no. 1207) covering a 40.14 km2 area and connected to River Brahmaputra. It provides numerous economic (e.g., livelihood and nutritional security) and ecological benefits (e.g. moderation of floods, groundwater recharge, repository of biodiversity) to the locality and its people. Deepor Beel was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1989 and the area covered by the perennial water spread (10.1 km2) was subsequently designated as a Bird Sanctuary by the Government of Assam in 2009. The present paper provides an overview of the rich floral and faunal diversity of the wetland, including aquatic macrophytes (58 species), diatoms (65), zooplankton (171), bryozoans (5), molluscs (15), aquatic insects (55), prawns (3), crabs (2), finfish (68), amphibians (11), reptiles (33), birds (234) and mammals (24), in addition to the beel's limno-chemistry as well its conservation threats and suggested strategies. The wetland supports 18 globally threatened vertebrate species. Eleven bird species occurring in the wetland (Aythya baeri, A. nyroca, Leptoptilos dubius, L. javanicus, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus, Gyps bengalensis, G. tenuirostris, Haliaeetus leucogaster, Pelecanus philippensis, Sarcogyps calvus, Threskiornis melanocephalus) have been included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Finfishes reported from the wetland declined from 67 species in 1999 to 64 between 2016 and 2018, which is a matter of concern. According to available information on limno-chemistry, the waters of the wetland have remained within the favorable range of water quality for fish production. Major threats faced by the wetland (e.g. pollution, encroachment, natural processes, etc.) and possible conservation strategies (e.g. control of aquatic pollution, prevention/ control of siltation, enacting and enforcing appropriate legislation, and other strategies) are outlined.

↵​A Copro-parasitological Surveillance on Diverse Captive Wild Avian Species

Background: Infections with gastrointestinal parasites are widespread and a major health issue for captive birds. Despite the significance being well known, not much studies have been conducted on its prevalence especially in captive avians in a zoo setup. The present study aims at determining the prevalence of parasites in captive birds of different orders maintained at Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bengaluru, Karnataka. Methods: In this investigation, a survey through fecal sample examination was conducted to assess the parasitic infection in captive birds belonging to 6 different biological orders e.g. Casuariiformes, Anseriformes, Galliformes, Pelecaniformes, Psittaciformes {Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), Duck (Anas platyrhynchos), Peafowl (Pavo cristatus), red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus), grey pelican, (Pelecanus philippensis), purple heron (Ardea purpurea), silver pheasant (Lophura nycthemera), macaw (Ara ararauna), parakeet (Psittacula eupatsia)} and Ciconiiformes maintained at Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bengaluru, Karnataka. A total of 106 fecal samples from apparently healthy birds including 7 samples from emu, 3 ducks, 12 peafowls, 8 red jungle fowls, 24 grey pelicans, 1 purple heron, 13 silver pheasants, 8 macaws, 26 parakeets and 4 Indian open-billed storks were collected during 2015-2016 and were screened for parasitic eggs/oocysts. Result: The screening result could detect ova of 2 (28.57%) Eimeria oocyst in emu, 3 (100%) Eimeria oocyst in duck, 7 (58.33%) Capillaria sp., 3 (25%) Eimeria oocyst, 2 (16.66%) Ascardia galli, 2 (16.66%) Raillietina echinobothrida, 1 (8.33%) Tetrameres sp. in peafowls, 3 (37.5%) Ascardia galli, 1 (12.5%) Eimeria oocyst in red jungle fowls, 5 (20.83%) Ascardia galli in grey pelican, 1 (100%) trematode ova in purple heron, 3 (23.07%) Raillietina sp., 2 (15.38%) Eimeria ocyst in silver pheasant, 2 (25%) Ascaris sp. in macaw, 12 (46.15%) Ascaris sp., 3 (11.53%) Eimeria oocyst in parakeet and 4 (100%) Tetrameres sp. in Indian open-billed storks.

Fungal Diversity in Droppings of Spot- Billed Pelican, Pelecanus philippensis

Birds are potential vectors of some diseases as their droppings pose public health risk and cause illness. Dust containing dry faeces after inhaling can infects humans. The prevalence of fungi from the faeces of birds in wetlands has not been previously determined. Hence, the present study was carried out to isolate and identify different fungal species present in the droppings of spot-billed pelican, Pelecanus philippensis. Among the fungal species identified Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus were found to be dominating.