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. 



