CEYLON WATER BIRDS. 289 
PELECANUS PHILIPPENSIS (Blanford, Vol. IV., p. 335). 
PELECANUS PHILIPPINENSIS (Legge, p. 1198). 
The Spotted-billed Pelican. 
Description.—Breeding plumage : mainly white, the feathers 
of the crown and neck short and rather fluffy, with dark bases ; 
there is a slight crest and a sort of mane, brownish in colour, 
down the hind-neck ; the scapulars and feathers of the wing 
coverts and upper tail coverts have black shafts ; the lower 
back, flanks, vent, and lower tail coverts are tinged vinaceous 
pink. The primaries and primary coverts are dark brown ; 
outer half of secondaries brown; tail lighter brown, the 
» feathers white at the base. 
Adults out of breeding plumage and immature birds lack 
the rosy tint on the lower back, flanks, and under parts. The 
feathers of the head and neck are white with black bases ; 
wings and tail brown ; under parts whitish-brown. The lesser 
wing coverts are short, instead of being long and pointed. 
Bill flesh-coloured, with bluish spots on the sides of the 
upper mandible ; pouch dull purple with blue-black markings ; 
iris pale yellow or almost white ; legs and feet dark brown. 
Length 57; wing 22; tail 8; tarsus 3:5; bill from gape 
14 ; females slightly smaller. 
Distribution—Found wherever there are suitable sheets of 
water throughout the north and east of the Island as far 
south as Hambantota. Occurs in similar places all over India, 
Burma, and the East. 
Habits.—This species is found often in large flocks on 
brackish lagoons and large tanks, but is commoner near the 
sea than far inland. It breeds from about December to 
March, building a large stick nest in high trees. It generally 
lays three chalky-white eggs measuring about 3 by 2°15. 
Family FREGATID2. 
Genus Fregata. 
Frigate Birds. 
These are oceanic birds of dark plumage, whose enormously 
long pointed wings and slender build give them a power and 
speed of flight unsurpassed even by the Albatross. The bill 
