276 REPTILES AND BIRDS, 
THE SPECTACLED PELIcAN (P. conspicillatus) 
The Spectacled Pelican, which is only found in southern climates, 
is thus named from the naked skin which surrounds its eyes, giving 
the bird the appearance of having on a pair of spectacles. Its 
plumage is white, and in habits and mode of life closely resemble the 
previously described species. One of its principal haunts is along 
the southern coasts of China, especially in the vicinity of the mouth 
of the Canton river, and on the bays and estuaries near it. The 
Chinese regard it as sacred, and nothing would induce them either 
to rob them of their eggs or young. 
Longevity is reported to be one of their characteristics. A very 
old mandarin, living on the margin of Meers’ Bay, pointed out to 
me a Spectacled Pelican, that he said he could remember since 
his childhood. ‘This bird was partially tamed; for although it went 
long distances to fish, it always returned to his village to pass the 
night. 
