Pelecanus crispus, Bruch, 1832 IUCN Status

Singh, Dharam, Kumar, Anil & Khan, Iqbal Ali, 2025, New distribution record of Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus Bruch, 1832 from Punjab, India, Records of the Zoological Survey of India 125 (2), pp. 207-210 : 208-210

Dalmatian Pelican P. crispus Bruch, 1832 IUCN Status : Near Threatened

Discussions

On May 25 th, 2023, the first author had the privilege of observing a sub-adult of Pelican species while engaging in the observation of water birds from the Lakker-wali check post bird observation point of Harike Wildlife Sanctuary. Within the sanctuary, the presence of the Great

(a) (b)

(c)

Fig. 2. Dalmatian Pelican P. crispus photographed at Harike Wildlife Sanctuary Punjab. (a) The individual is roosting near a patch of aquatic vegetation (b) A close view of individual (c) Another view of individual in Harike wetland.

White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus was known to the first author, rendering the first to consider its existence. Enthusiastically, the first author skilfully documented the encounter through a series of captivating photographs (Fig. 2). However, despite the best efforts, confidently identifying the subadult Pelican species proved to be an intriguing challenge. In pursuit of certainty, the photographs were diligently shared with the second author. Recognizing the significance of the finding, it was further shared and discussed with third author.

After careful perusal of the images and further discussions, it was conclusively determined that the subadult belonged to the Dalmatian Pelican species, as its beak lacked a pinkish hue and did not exhibit any noticeable black spots, effectively ruling out the possibility of it being a Spot-billed Pelican. Moreover, the limited exposure of the facial orbit skin eliminated the potential for it to be a Great White Pelican. Through a careful examination of the subadult plumage characteristics, utilizing the field guide by Grimmett et al. (2016), it was revealed that the plumage was predominantly greyishwhite, with a gradual transition and black flight feathers. Additionally , the subadult displayed a crest on the top of its head. The facial skin surrounding the eye and throat exhibited a pale hue, albeit without the extensive exposure or vibrant colouring seen in certain other pelican species. Consequently , the observations strongly suggested that this subadult bird belonged to the Dalmatian Pelican species. As a result, this bird, being identified as a Dalmatian Pelican , marks a remarkable addition to the avifauna of Punjab. Its presence in the region on May 25 th, 2023, stands as a significant milestone, contributing to our ever-growing knowledge of the diverse avifauna found in the vicinity of the Harike Wildlife Sanctuary .

Remarks: The individual was observed further throughout the week of the month by other birders who visited Harike Wildlife Sanctuary.

Distribution: India: Harike Wildlife Sanctuary, Punjab (new record) ( Fig. 1. a, b )

Figures

Fig. 1. (a) Map of India showing the distribution of P. crispus including new distribution from Harike Wildlife Sanctu- ary, Punjab (eBird, 2023).