132 NILS GYLDENSTOLPE, ZOOLOGICAL RESULTS OF THE SWEDISH ZOOLOGICAL EXPEDITIONS TO SIAM. 
The Indian White-backed Vulture is fairly common over the whole country except 
in the more densely wooded parts, and everywhere it is far more abundant than the 
Black Vulture (Otogyps calvus ScopP.). 
Several nests were observed in some large trees outside a small village a few miles 
south of Chieng Mai. 
274. Otogyps calvus. Scop. — The Black Vulture. 
Otogyps calvus: Gyldenstolpe I p. 62; Williamson I p. 47; Gairdner p. 31; Grant p. 115; Gairdner p. 151. 
Vultur calvus: Schomburgk p. 267. 
& Koh Lak 1/12 1914. L = 805 mm.: W = 600 mm.; T = 271 mm.; Culmen from cere = 51 mm. 
— Irides: yellowish white. Bill: black. Legs: pink. 
Of this fine Vulture a few specimens were generally associated among the flocks of 
the other Vultures found in Siam, viz. Pseudogyps bengalensis Gu. and Gyps tenutrosiris 
Hopes. 
Most abundant they seemed to be in the low-lying country along the coast of the 
Gulf of Siam. They also occurred both in Central and Northern Siam though rather 
rare in the latter part. They were never found among the hills or in well-wooded tracts 
but for some specimens seen circling high up in the air. At the environs of Bangkok 
Vultures abound, the most common species being, however, Pseudogyps bengalensis Gm. 
The Black Vulture is rather a beautiful species when seen majestically circling high 
up in the air on motionless wings, and with the bright sun shining on the red neck and 
thighs which then look fiery red. 
Some years ago the Siamese had the horrible custom to place their dead, and espe- 
cially those from the lower classes, on open courts in certain temples to let the corpses 
to be eaten by the Vultures, Crows and the semi-domesticated Pariah dogs. 
This custom is now strictly forbidden at least in the greatest towns but is probably 
still going on in some of the out-of-the-way places. 
Fam. Pelecanide. 
275. Pelecanus philippensis. Gm. — The Spotted-billed Pelican. 
Pelecanus philippensis: Gyldenstolpe I p. 71; Gairdner p. 152. 
Pelicanus philippensis: Schomburgk p. 265; Gairdner p. 31. 
d& Chieng Hai %/s 1914. L = 1420 mm.; W = 600 mm.; T = 197 mm.; C = 329 mm. — @ Chieng 
Hai 16/gs 1914. L = 1300 mm.; W = 580 mm.; T = 210 mm.; C = 310 mm. — Trides: hazel. Bill: whitish 
pink with black blotches. Legs: grey. 
This species, which inhabits Southern Asia south to the Malay Peninsula and east 
to Java and the Philippines, is very common along the coasts of the inner Gulf of Siam 
during the winter months. 
During the rainy season the Pelicans assemble in great numbers on the large swamps 
of Central Siam, but if they also breed here is open to question. During my former journey 
